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Sun Sep 04 2022
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
One of my favorite metal albums and my favorite Metallica albums. A little repetitive towards the end, but enough songs stood out to make up for it. 4/5
4
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Mon Sep 05 2022
Closer
Joy Division
I get the appeal and like the playing, but the 80s disjointed singing ruined it for me. 2/5
2
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Tue Sep 06 2022
Nevermind
Nirvana
Loved this album since the first time I heard it. Needed a little more grunge. 4/5
4
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Never been a fan of Elvis. Not impressed. Songs were just A-OK. 2/5
2
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Vivid
Living Colour
I completely understand and am totally alright with why Cult of Personality is the only song I’ve heard off this album. Good, not great. 3/5
3
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Fri Sep 09 2022
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Love jazz samba. Wasn’t blown away by anything, but definitely enjoyed it. 3/5
3
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Sat Sep 10 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Got this album the day after the queen died. Cool. Hated the album though. 2/5
2
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Sun Sep 11 2022
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Enjoyable. Nothing here blew me away, but I’ll probably listen to it again. 3/5
3
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Mon Sep 12 2022
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Nah. Liked the first two, then it just fell off for me and didn’t find anything substantial the rest of the album. 2/5
2
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Tue Sep 13 2022
Marquee Moon
Television
Liked it. Early punk without taking much from other artists of the time, but forming their own sound. 4/5
4
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Wed Sep 14 2022
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Great instrumentation and voice. Writing and arrangements were also phenomenal and original. It’s difficult to believe she didn’t become more popular. 4/5
4
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Thu Sep 15 2022
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Not that I don't think this album isn't good by a technical standpoint or in the eyes of other people, but this album has everything that I am just not interested in. The half-present instruments and clunky rhythm makes it impossible for me to get into the music. Relieved when the last song ended honestly. Could have been worse, though so. 2/5
2
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Fri Sep 16 2022
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
I like his simple country-folk music style and enjoyed the album, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me. A very average album, in my opinion. 3/5
3
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Sat Sep 17 2022
Imagine
John Lennon
A great album. Inventive and original. I don’t like John Lennon personally, but I recognize that this is a great album. 4/5
4
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Sun Sep 18 2022
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Cool it with the reverb effect and I think you’d have a pretty solid album. 4/5
4
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Mon Sep 19 2022
Hotel California
Eagles
These are iconic songs with great production, themes, writing, and execution. Near entirely perfect album. 5/5
5
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Tue Sep 20 2022
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Original for its time, and very thought provoking. Doesn’t hold up to todays standards and not an album one can just throw on. 3/5
3
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Wed Sep 21 2022
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Maybe some people like this album, but I genuinely did not enjoy a single track. Lackluster vocals and subpar instrumentation. 2/5
2
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Thu Sep 22 2022
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Possibly the best ballad album of all time. Iconic and timelessly fun songs. Some parts were a little overdone, but for the most part, a very solid album. 4/5
4
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Fri Sep 23 2022
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
A very impressive garage band, but surprising they got a record deal and I’m even more surprised this album is on the list. Fun to listen to if you’re looking for some blues-rock to play in the background, but thousands of albums would need to disappear before it would come close to greatest albums territory. 2/5
2
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Sat Sep 24 2022
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
I like the Hives and all of these songs. They were fun and I enjoyed listening, but they wasn’t anything inspiring about it. A very alright collection, and since it’s a collection and not an album, it doesn’t qualify at all for me. 1/5
1
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Sun Sep 25 2022
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
I like the hardcore punk-rock ballads. The song writing, instrumentation, and structure were fantastic. I enjoyed these songs, but they weren’t all that memorable or catchy in the long run. 4/5
4
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Mon Sep 26 2022
Elephant
The White Stripes
The White Stripes do a good job of building on their rock inspiration and previous work without just copying. They found ways to still create original sounds in a dying genre. Very enjoyable and fun to listen to. 4/5
4
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Tue Sep 27 2022
Abbey Road
Beatles
One of the most well produced, best written, enjoyable albums ever. 5/5
5
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Wed Sep 28 2022
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Not a fan of the goat voice.Everything was very average for an 80s rock band. 2/5
2
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Thu Sep 29 2022
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Beautiful album. Can't think of a thing wrong with it. 5/5
5
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Fri Sep 30 2022
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
One of the most forgettable albums I've ever heard in my life. I honestly believe that this is as creative and exciting this band can get, which just isn't that great. It wasn't painful to listen to, I just couldn't remember a single track off of it to save my life. 2/5
2
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Sat Oct 01 2022
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
“You like jazz?”
Yes :)
4/5
4
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Sun Oct 02 2022
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
That’s some pretty good pop music. Although every song sounds very similar. 3/5
3
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Mon Oct 03 2022
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Alright, nothing great, nothing bad. 3/5
3
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Tue Oct 04 2022
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Found the whole album to be pretty bland and repetitive. It makes good background music. All in all, pretty forgettable. 2/5
2
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Wed Oct 05 2022
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Sort of unbearably pretentious if that makes any sense? Can definitely see that it would have an audience, but that audience is not me. 2/5
2
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Thu Oct 06 2022
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Groovy stuff, funky rhythms, and surprisingly inventive melodies. Feel like it earned it's. 4/5
4
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Fri Oct 07 2022
Elastica
Elastica
Not that it was a reinvention of British post punk, but I thought it was pretty good for the genre. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 4/5
4
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Sat Oct 08 2022
xx
The xx
Can’t quite decide if I’m into this or not. I think so. 3/5
3
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Sun Oct 09 2022
In Utero
Nirvana
I feel like this is exactly what they were going for. They didn’t miss on one track. Perfect. 5/5
5
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Mon Oct 10 2022
Street Life
The Crusaders
Enjoyed the album. Wasn’t the best jazz record I’ve heard, but there wasn’t anything wrong with it really. Pretty in the middle. 3/5
3
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Tue Oct 11 2022
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Love Nina. Love the album. Did not miss. Experimental. Moving in a new direction both lyrically and musically. 4/5
4
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Wed Oct 12 2022
Goo
Sonic Youth
I think Sonic Youth does a good job of establishing their sound on this album. They’re really feeling themselves on this one. Not their biggest fan personally, and the later songs sort of fell off in my opinion, but definitely see what they were going for. 3/5
3
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Thu Oct 13 2022
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Very ambitious for the young pedophile. 4/5
4
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Fri Oct 14 2022
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Never new what was going to come next. A beautiful, original album. 4/5
4
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Sat Oct 15 2022
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
I can’t understand why Marley is the only reggae I’ve heard when there are bands like this out. 4/5
4
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Sun Oct 16 2022
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
A funky and original album that was very enjoyable to listen to. 4/5
4
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Mon Oct 17 2022
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
I thought he made a very niche genre of music sound more accessible to a wider audience without straying too far from who he is. The album didn't excite more or anything, I just thought it was neat and respect it. 3/5
3
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Tue Oct 18 2022
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Nothing impressive here, just a nice little jazzy album that I had fun listening to. 3/5
3
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Wed Oct 19 2022
Graceland
Paul Simon
This album makes it clear that Paul Simon was still able to create original and interesting music that was also enjoyable to listen to. 4/5
4
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Thu Oct 20 2022
The Who Sell Out
The Who
I don't think this is The Who's best work, but it certainly isn't their worst. I think it was a very ambitious idea that didn't pan out 100% like they'd hoped. Some of the songs on their own are great, but the majority could only be listened to when listening to the album as a whole. Commercial jingles can get on your nerves at a point. 3/5
3
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Fri Oct 21 2022
Suede
Suede
This album is full of unoriginal 80s pop music, but it was made in the 90s. Music wasn’t necessarily bad, just not my type and nothing new. 3/5
3
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Sat Oct 22 2022
Cross
Justice
I am not interested in mainly instrumental music, but this was good. 4/5
4
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Sun Oct 23 2022
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
He does a good job of combining different genres to make an overall enjoyable and fun album that is rewarding to listen to. 4/5
4
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Mon Oct 24 2022
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Blended country and psychedelic 60s sounds together pretty well. Not a whole lot of variety, but nothing was outright bad
3
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Tue Oct 25 2022
Maxinquaye
Tricky
It’s all over the place and does not focus itself into anything entertaining or inspiring. Had potentially, but execution ended up being boring. 2/5
2
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Wed Oct 26 2022
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
This isn’t my favorite Miles album and I don’t think it’s his best work, but I respect it for being very experimental. He tried new things on this album instead of playing it safe like he had on the previous couple albums and it payed off with Bitches Brew and On the Corner. Not my favorite, but still incredible. 4/5
4
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Thu Oct 27 2022
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Sounds like a bunch of people who knew nothing about music were forced to make an album together. Not completely hot garbage, but pretty damn close. 2/5
2
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Fri Oct 28 2022
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
The opening track is the strongest point of the album, but that isn't to say the rest of the album is bad. Just average and nothing new. Enjoyed it as an introduction to Steve Winwood. Interested to listen to his other work, but definitely not excited. 3/5
3
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Sat Oct 29 2022
American Pie
Don McLean
Inventive chord progressions and Mr. McLean does a wonderful job of putting less is more into song. Starting the album with American Pie was a mistake, in my opinion, because there was nowhere to go but down from there. Not to say the rest of the songs were bad, just that they leave you wanting more of what you know Don could make. 4/5
4
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Sun Oct 30 2022
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
I don't like live albums and I don't like bad albums so this album checked no boxes for me. 1/5
1
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Mon Oct 31 2022
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
One of the best soul albums, if not the best of all time. Everything blends together so well. It’s incredible. 4/5
4
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Tue Nov 01 2022
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
They all sort of fade together after a while and become indistinguishable. More like one long song than 11 individual and unique ones. I enjoyed it for the most part. A little innovative, but not mind blowing. 3/5
3
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Wed Nov 02 2022
Kimono My House
Sparks
Sorta avant-garde jazz rock. Lots of the songs were fun to listen to and stood out from one another without being conventionally structured. Not an album you’d put on often, but definitely one should give a listen. 4/5
4
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Thu Nov 03 2022
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
This album reminds me of an old sweater that’s falling apart. Barely held together by a couple loose strings. None of the musicians sound like they’re really into it which is a shame considering the lyrics, chord progressions, and structuring all sound like they’d be great if they were played tighter. Poor execution, but great theory. Makes me sad to think that they were so close to such an incredible album. 4/5
4
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Fri Nov 04 2022
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Hauntingly beautiful bluesgrass. I wish I could give it four stars, but there just really isn't enough there to justify me doing so. Lovely sounding, but lacks anything new or out there. 3/5
3
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Sat Nov 05 2022
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
An introspective and interesting, not his best work, but I enjoyed it. 3/5
3
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Sun Nov 06 2022
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Boring synth, nothing new, not interested. 2/5
2
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Mon Nov 07 2022
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
This album is a great example of his superior creativity to the rest of his former band mates. He has incredibly original chord changes and song
structures that make it impossible to guess what is coming next, without ever letting you down. Very sad that we couldn't see him develop more as an artist. I think he was only scratching the surface of what he had to offer. 4/5
4
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Tue Nov 08 2022
Parallel Lines
Blondie
One of the best mixes of post punk and self expression there is. Blondie delivers. 4/5
4
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Wed Nov 09 2022
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Was just waiting for the album to end. Couldn’t really enjoy or get into a single track. The whole thing felt offbeat and disjointed. The lyrics were subpar and even the beats became repetitive by the halfway point. Probably good for it’s time in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, but does not hold up. 2/5
2
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Thu Nov 10 2022
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Enjoyed the album, but was pretty much just waiting for something to happen. All the songs blended together after a while. Good, but nothing special. 3/5
3
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Fri Nov 11 2022
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Not a fan of live albums, but this is so good and energetic, also I love B.B. so much that I can’t give it a bad score. One of the best live albums I’ve ever heard. 4/5
4
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Sat Nov 12 2022
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Not really that good for live Dylan. Poor quality for any live album, which I’m already not a fan of. Love Dylan and all the studio versions of these songs, but personally found this album a chore to get through as it took me all day. 1/5
1
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Sun Nov 13 2022
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen is rough while also being vulnerable. An album that undeniably feels alive. Every aspect of every song works. 4/5
4
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Mon Nov 14 2022
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
It sounds like they didn’t knew who their audience was or who they were making the album for. Musically, most of the songs are pretty strong, but they fall short lyrically; at least for me. I appreciate the sentiment in the words, although the Beach Boys were not equipped to write deep songs. Also, if you’re short on time for your album, it’s better to not write anymore songs than to include a song like Student Demonstration Time. Who was that for? 3/5
3
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Tue Nov 15 2022
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I thoroughly enjoyed this album and believe it has a lot of range, especially when comparing the first and second halves. Always surprised by his ability to mix folk and rock so seamlessly. 4/5
4
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Wed Nov 16 2022
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Well, this stunk. Completely forgettable at best and downright annoying at worst. Tough to get through. The 22 minute opening track fails to justify it’s length while the remaining songs are just electronic garbage. 1/5
1
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Thu Nov 17 2022
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Very melancholic, perhaps too melancholy. Almost plagiaristic-ally Bob Dylan. They even mention him by name. Not to say I didn’t like the album, I enjoyed every song excluding the final track. 3/5
3
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Fri Nov 18 2022
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
I can certainly see how this album is not for everyone, but I can’t express enough how much I respect them for being unapologetically themselves. Such a strong and specific vibe that I’ve not heard replicated before or since. Shame this isn’t more well known. 4/5
4
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Sat Nov 19 2022
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
I am so tired of getting live albums. The artist is able to choose from their best songs so obviously all the songs will be classics. On the other hand, the quality is always worse than the original and rarely feels more energetic. This live album is no different. There is absolutely no reason this album should be even considered for this list. The fact that it was included shakes my faith in this entire concept and has me questioning if I should even continue using this generator. Seriously, what classic rock-biased mf made this list? Love Deep Purple though, just bad score on the principal. 1/5
1
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Sun Nov 20 2022
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
One of the best rap albums I've ever heard. Mr. Killah is a powerhouse and absolutely relentless. Every track was enjoyable. He did not miss. 4/5
4
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Mon Nov 21 2022
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Loved this album, enjoyed it very much. Nothing here incredibly original, but it’s nice. 3/5
3
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Tue Nov 22 2022
Dust
Screaming Trees
Thoroughly enjoyable. It’s pretty original, but I can see why I’ve never heard of them. 3/5
3
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Wed Nov 23 2022
Kenya
Machito
Very introspective and calm. Enjoyed it throughly. I don’t know what introspective means. 3/5
3
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Thu Nov 24 2022
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
You can’t tell me this didn’t bop. Didn’t understand most of what ahe said. Loved it. 4/5
4
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Fri Nov 25 2022
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Very surprised I haven’t heard this before. Incredible and aggressive. 4/5
4
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Sat Nov 26 2022
Play
Moby
This is some of the best background music I’ve ever heard. Montage music. I’ll master the art of cooking to this album. I ain’t gonna listen to it just for kicks though. 3/5
3
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Sun Nov 27 2022
Gold
Ryan Adams
Had some range to it. Not too out there. Didn’t excite me or anything, but I enjoyed listening. 3/5
3
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Mon Nov 28 2022
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Simply put, it is elegant, it is graceful, it is enjoyable for the most part. Didn’t like The Night I Heard Caruso, but everything else was great. 4/5
4
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Tue Nov 29 2022
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
The most versatile rap album i’ve ever heard. Most listeners should be able to find at least one song they can enjoy. I liked them all. 4/5
4
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
I could go on and on about all the reasons I dislike this album, but I’ve spent too long listening to it already and I just don’t want to think about it anymore. Hate live albums. 1/5
1
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Thu Dec 01 2022
The Wall
Pink Floyd
One of, if not the best, concept albums of all time. Every song on this album serves a purpose and the holds the album together cohesively. They were able to make both hard and songs without it seeming forced. All the sound effects give it the right amount of paranoia and anger the protagonist feels. I'm not sure if what I'm saying makes sense, but I get it. I get this album. Loved it. 5/5
5
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Fri Dec 02 2022
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
I was very surprised when I not only didn’t hate this album, but actually enjoyed most of it. I think Limp Bizkit gets a bad rap for some reason. How they present themselves? Wasn’t the best metal I’ve ever heard, but it isn’t the worst. Just respectable music for the most part, though some of the lyrics can be a tad corny at times. 3/5
3
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Sat Dec 03 2022
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is one of the best debut albums there are. They did a tremendous job of immediately setting themselves apart from the rest of the rock scene at the time. Even though it's their first album together, all band members played in perfect harmony with one another; allowing each other to shine in their respective areas of musical expertise. While they are known for being a heavier band, they deliver beautiful soft songs that let you know they have range and talent. I love this album and it always leaves me wanting more. 5/5
5
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Sun Dec 04 2022
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Not my type of music whatsoever. Understand that it had it’s following and time and place and all that, but it’s really no good in my opinion. 2/5
2
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Mon Dec 05 2022
Gris Gris
Dr. John
Completely understand why some listeners might not enjoy this. I sorta get it, enjoyed some, but not others. 3/5
3
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Tue Dec 06 2022
No Other
Gene Clark
Something to put on while focusing on something else. Nothing exciting, but nothing bad, really. Could listen to it again, although I probably won’t. 3/5
3
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Wed Dec 07 2022
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Entertaining, not in the way that I’d listen to it very often, but that I enjoyed it listening the first time through. Definitely memorable, sometimes in a good way, sometimes not so much. They made the album they wanted to make and it came out probably exactly the way they liked. Wasn’t completely for me, but I liked some of it. 3/5
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Not saying you can't have a good jazz album solely made up of covers of songs, but it certainly would be difficult. A good cover respects the original while also adding the covering artists signature flair to the song. These covers don't sound like their originals so she has that going for her. Where she falls short is that the flair she adds isn't really enough. It wasn't enough to interest me very much. Like a boring James Bond intro song. Technically good and it's not unbearable, but I'm going to choose not to bear it in the future. 3/5
3
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Real Life
Magazine
This is a fun album to listen to, but not as memorable as similar albums of the time. The songs blend together after getting only a little bit into the album. They failed to create something as inspiring as their contemporaries, like the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and the Damned, created time and time again. I'd listen to them again, but not for inspiration. 3/5
3
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Sat Dec 10 2022
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
This may be the best these guys have to offer as a group. Separately, they performed better and created more inspiring work, but this album lacks originality and feels as though members are holding each other back. An enjoyable album. Nothing really bad to say, but nothing really good either. 3/5
3
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Sun Dec 11 2022
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Her talent shines brighter when she does jazzier songs than the honky tonk country that had been dead for decades at that point. It was entertaining and I’ll listen to some of the songs again, but there was not much original here. This seemed like and album for the sake of making an album. Easy listening, but that’s all. 3/5
3
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Never was a fan of this 80s melodramatic sound. I can sort of get behind the instrumentation, but the singing is so needlessly dramatic that I can't take it seriously. It might just be the singer's voice, but this band never tickled my fancy. I completely understand where others may see the beauty in this album though. 3/5
3
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Van Halen
Van Halen
So many hits on one album, contender for best debut album of all time. Every member of this band is exercising top talent. Can’t think of a thing wrong with it. It’s just so good. 5/5
5
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Wed Dec 14 2022
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
I’m sure that this album was very impactful in the genre and inspirational for its time, however, I can’t get into for one reason or another. Some songs feature the sample too heavily, some songs Missy’s rap game is just not that great, and some were just straight up annoying. Whatever it was, I found myself consistently checking how many songs were left. I like her voice and thought the entire album was produced very well, but not enough to save it. 3/5
3
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Eagles
Eagles
I think the opening track summarizes the entire album with Take it Easy. Such a carefree ideology may make one think that the songs lack a seriousness or respect for the art. An understandable concern, but Eagles do an incredible job of creating one of the most easy listening albums of all time while also having the songs be listenable. Even the harder rocking songs had a breezy, relaxed aspect to them that was crafted to perfection. There were some pitfalls, though, as some later tracks were just sort of forgettable if it had not been for the couple classic songs that hold this album together. A great free feeling to this album, but not all songs are worth listening to more than a few times. 4/5
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Fri Dec 16 2022
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Completely unbearable. Found it incredibly difficult to finish. I don’t like purely instrumental music and this album is a wonderful example why. 2/5
2
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Sat Dec 17 2022
Sound Affects
The Jam
The Jam is a very underrated punk band for numerous arbitrary reasons. They’re a great band, but ultimately, not what the world was looking for at the time. Not quite as hard rocking as their contemporaries, but not soft enough to escape the punk genre. They should be much more widely known, but alas, that’s entertainment. 4/5
4
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Sun Dec 18 2022
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Got pretty boring, the songs aren’t good enough to justify the runtime. Some songs were weird, but they still managed to blend together considering the number of songs there are. Nothing really bad to say here, just not impressed. 3/5
3
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Mon Dec 19 2022
The Man Who
Travis
This album calms my anxieties faster than I thought possible. I don't know about anything technically incredible this album does, but the vibe is just incredible and that has to be worth something. Enjoyed the whole thing very much, except that the last track was split in two. 4/5
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Forever Changes
Love
Every track on this album surprised me with it's originality. Some songs were incredibly ahead of their time while some sounded like they could have been written centuries ago and some were perfect for the time they were written. They all worked marvelously and I enjoyed every single one of them. I understand, however, why the album and artist are not as well known. There weren't any songs on the album that really got me excited. They were fun to listen to, but I don't reckon I'll be very eager to go back for a second listen, although I probably will eventually. 4/5
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Wed Dec 21 2022
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Louis Prima has such an electric charm to him that makes it impossible for me not to get into his music. The songs were original and didn’t blend together. Band played great other a well. Fun album, but nothing too deep. 4/5
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Love it or hate it, this is an incredibly influential album both for it’s time and still today. Any song on this album can be thrown on at any time which makes it very versatile. The album itself isn’t making a very big statement as it’s the definition of garage band dad rock, but I found the whole thing entertaining and enjoyable. I liked it. 4/5
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Fri Dec 23 2022
2112
Rush
Fairly good classic rock with some jazzy aspects to it. Every member plays incredibly well on the album, but I'm still left feeling unexcited. I personally don't think Rush plays with much feeling, even if they are technically very talented. I wasn't quite checking my watch or anything, but I would probably change the station. Very meh. 3/5
3
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Sat Dec 24 2022
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Never really enjoyed the Talking Heads. Not quite my cup of tea, but I get the hype. None of these songs were bad necessarily, but I couldn’t get into them. Was just alright. 3/5
3
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Sun Dec 25 2022
The Stranger
Billy Joel
Every song is an absolute banger. Hit after hit. Man did not miss. Was genuinely surprised at how good this album was for both the songs I’d heard of and the one’s I hadn’t. Everything about the album is fantastic; the songwriting, instrumentation, singing, production, etc. It has a flowing feeling throughout the entire album that stays interesting. Also, just a fun, enjoyable album to listen to. Maybe another day I would have given it a 4, but it’s Christmas, so I’m feeling generous. 5/5
5
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Mon Dec 26 2022
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Generally only listen to this genre one twelfth of the year. The songs are solid and the production has a classic sound that feels timeless and nostalgic. I'm not sure if using multiple artists is cheating, but it sorta feels like cheating. There are a lot of hits on this album, even if people only listen to them in December. They all start to sound the same halfway through and then it's a bit of a chore to get through. 3/5
3
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Tue Dec 27 2022
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Every song on this album is great. The production, songwriting, structure, instrumentation were all fantastic. I’m always impressed with McCartneys continuous ability to create music that is relevant to the time it’s made. The A side of the album does seem to overshadow the second half a little, but the last two songs were able pull me back in. 4/5
4
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Wed Dec 28 2022
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Some of Johnny’s best work in years. All of the American Recording albums Cash did with Rick Rubin were fantastic and re-introduced the world to what Johnny Cash could do. Even with his voice shot of years on the road, he’s still able to deliver some of his most emotional vocal performances. He shouldn’t have tried Roberta Flack, though. 4/5
4
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Thu Dec 29 2022
The Next Day
David Bowie
The wikipedia snippet about this album got me very excited to listen to it, as well as the fact that it's David Bowie, whom I've always been a fan of. I was disappointed however in how often I found myself forgetting I was listening to the album and my mind would go elsewhere. The music did little to pull me back in. They weren't inspiring, but they weren't bad. For Bowie, it wasn't that great, but for just another album on the list it was alright. Nothing special, but it certainly wasn't bad. Some songs were alright, but overall just sorta disappointingly boring. 3/5
3
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Fri Dec 30 2022
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
A harder rock album than Neil would usually create. He does a good job and the album has a lot of range. Some tracks are fun to listen to and some fall short. I’ve never been a fan of live music, so that doesn’t help my opinion of the album. I’d like to give it a higher score, but I honestly don’t think it earned it. It’s sort of a forgettable album. 3/5
3
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Sat Dec 31 2022
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I was thoroughly surprised and satisfied that I enjoyed the album as much as I did. The second half of the album did slow way down and get pretty boring, though. Wasn’t a fan of the pan flute either, I don’t feel as though it fit into the rest of the song comfortably. Good music though some wasn’t for me. 4/5
4
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Sun Jan 01 2023
Doolittle
Pixies
Album has a lot of range from pop to experimental. They all worked well not only on their own, but also within the album. A fun and enjoyable album. 4/5
4
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Mon Jan 02 2023
Kid A
Radiohead
I respect artists who try experimental work, even if they don’t always pan out. How To Disappear Completely is without a doubt in my mind the best song on the album. This may sound pretentious, but the song knows what it is. It is a song with a purpose while I feel others on the album are unfinished jam sessions. The general idea and concept, I believe, they have down, but the final product was a little too bare. Overall, though, it is a great album and I enjoyed listening, but it could have been better. 4/5
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Tue Jan 03 2023
Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
She has an electrifying element to her sound that makes me enjoy all the songs. Just wish there was a little more variety throughout, but overall fantastic. 4/5
4
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Wed Jan 04 2023
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Pretty original and enjoyable l, though the singer’s shaky voice did get on my nerves at points, but that’s just preference. 4/5
4
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Thu Jan 05 2023
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
Maybe if I was coked up, dancing to this album in a Amsterdam nightclub on New Years Eve 1999, I would’ve enjoyed it more, but I am stone cold soberly not enjoying myself. Found it annoying and a chore to get through. 2/5
2
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Fri Jan 06 2023
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
I'm not sure if they're aware of how creepy they sound. The instrumentation is good. Pretty sure I won't be listening to it again, though. It's like it was almost good, but there's something off about the entire album. Something disjointed and unnerving (which they may be going for) that I don't enjoy. Maybe I just don't get it. Not terrible, but not for me. 3/5
3
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Sat Jan 07 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
A thoroughly enjoyable album to listen to. I get a little tired of the singers voice after listening to a couple of The Band's songs generally, but there's nothing else really wrong with the album. Not very exciting, but it's nice and fun. I'll probably listen to it again. 4/5
4
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Mon Jan 09 2023
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This album was, in my opinion, the perfect form of idea into execution. I don’t really think Me. Costello would change a thing about the album, so as far as production goes, it’s perfect in that sense. That doesn’t mean that I would change anything, though. There were too many cheesy love lyrics and Elvis’ singing was very corny at times. A perfect cheesy love album, but that’s not what I’m into.
3/5
3
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Tue Jan 10 2023
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
What an unbearable waste of time. Live albums, just in their nature of being live, take so much away from the music whether it’s sound quality, energy, talent, whatever. I already am not the biggest fan of Cheap Trick, though I do like some of their songs. There’s no diversity to these tracks, each one is just like the last. I don’t want to go on too long about this album, though I could, because I’d rather just forget the whole thing (except I Want You to Want Me, that one hit for some reason). 1/5
1
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Wed Jan 11 2023
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Possibly a little early to be putting this album on a list like this, but as far as I’m concerned it fully deserves to be up here. Great concept album, a more modern take on traditional R&B ideas. Some places could be improved, such as production, but it’s overall a pretty fun album to listen to (not the interludes though, never like interludes). 3/5
3
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Thu Jan 12 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
This was a fairly solid album. Some of the experimental stuff droned on a little long, but it was an inspiration for many bands and has been cited numerous times as one of the most essential albums to begin the punk era. Personally, I enjoyed most of the tracks and will listen to some, not all, again. It was pretty enjoyable, but I don't think it really deserves to score that high. 3/5
3
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Fri Jan 13 2023
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This album is jangly and unsettling. Sometimes in a charming way and sometimes in an annoying way. The lyrics are uninteresting and give me nothing new. It certainly is not Costello's best work, but I've definitely heard worse. The whole thing gives me the vibe of 'yup, this certainly is an album'. Nothing extra, inspiring, or memorable about this whole project. No atrocious, heinous, or unforgivable acts have been committed either, but my feeling is that nothing has really been committed. A perfect example of a. 3/5
3
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Sat Jan 14 2023
Odelay
Beck
This album has so much going on and it all works so well. Every little sound effect adds positively to the record. Has a ton of range and is thoroughly enjoyable. Production, lyrics, instrumentation were all perfect and my only critique is that it isn’t that exciting. I believe it to be one of the rare times when an album is completely realized and executed exactly as the artist intended. 4/5
4
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Sun Jan 15 2023
Liquid Swords
GZA
A fantastic album. GZA flow and lyrics are incredible. The beats are minimalistic, but at the same time perfect for GZAs style. Never been a fan of skits in albums, especially if they don’t really add to the album. Enjoyable, but perhaps got a little too repetitive. 4/5
4
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Mon Jan 16 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Really think they should have ended with the title track instead of starting with it, though there isn't much else to complain about. Had good range with both fun, fast tracks as well as slower, more emotional ones. Didn't like the live track, never do, but was overall very enjoyable. 4/5
4
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Tue Jan 17 2023
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Obviously love and lack thereof are popular topics for artists to touch on in their music, but divorce is much less common. Not to say Marvin is the only musician to discuss divorce in their music, but it was never done so well or with such grace. My only complaint is that this album failed to excite me as much as his previous works. I enjoyed it for sure, but he could have put a little more into it. Everything else (writing, singing, instrumentation, structure, production, etc.) were all fantastic. 4/5
4
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Wed Jan 18 2023
Revolver
Beatles
The Beatles first truly experimental album in their discography. They'd hinted in their early work they were capable of writing songs that weren't mainstream pop. Their decision to become solely a studio band opened possibilities they probably hadn't ever considered. Every song on this album is good, most are great, and some are undeniable classics. Production, writing, instrumentation, etc. are all beautiful. No complaints. 5/5
5
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Thu Jan 19 2023
Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
A breath of fresh air from all the American and British artists that have been crowding the list so far. Like a lot of Bollywood soundtracks of this era, this album has a fun feeling to it that I enjoyed even if the album didn't do anything too technically incredible. You'd never consider this album to be awe inspiring by any stretch of the imagination, but I liked it and it was fun to listen to. 3/5
3
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Fri Jan 20 2023
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
This album doesn’t provide anything new. It’s very fun and “groovy”, but it has all been done before, sometimes by the same band, sometimes even just earlier in the album. 3/5
3
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Sat Jan 21 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Possibly the most influential punk band there has ever been. All the songs sound the same with different lyrics, so as a standalone album it’s not incredible, but I enjoyed it very much anyway. 4/5
4
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Sun Jan 22 2023
Ingenue
k.d. lang
This album is so goddamn boring. I can’t really find anything wrong with it, but it’s so impossible to get into. Nothing at all to latch onto. 3/5
3
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Mon Jan 23 2023
Metallica
Metallica
The main problem people seem to have with this album is the departure from the band’s previous sound and claim they sold out. Metallica’s intention was to reach a wider audience as they noticed their previous album was very niche. In that sense I have no problem with the change in musical direction. The songs are a little more pop driven, but that’s what they were going for, so I can’t fault them. The only fault I have with the album is from the production side. Every element (vocals, bass, drums, guitar) sounds great on their own, but altogether, don’t mesh as well. Everything else was great and I enjoyed the album very much. Not their best work, but by no means should anyone say that this is a bad album. 4/5
4
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Tue Jan 24 2023
Violator
Depeche Mode
A wonderful album, but Depeche Mode never really was my vibe. Definitely respect the album even though I couldn’t get into it. 4/5
4
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Wed Jan 25 2023
Cut
The Slits
Genre bending is pretty neat. The album is more to listen to for bits of inspiration rather than to enjoy, though. 3/5
3
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Thu Jan 26 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Some of these songs are a little hard to listen to, but delightful once you get into them. This album’s surely not for everyone, but I thought it was pretty fun. Obviously Paper Planes is great, but other songs like Boyz, Mango Pickle Down River, and Jimmy certainly don’t get enough recognition. Manor complaint was that it got very repetitive and had hardly any range. 3/5
3
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Never trust an album with clowns on the cover. I think they have real talent and it shows through in some spots, but is ultimately covered up by their . . . need to be weird? 3/5
3
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Sat Jan 28 2023
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Beautiful album. Not much range, but the lyrics alone earn it my respect. 4/5
4
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Sun Jan 29 2023
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
This a fantastic and fun album. Production, instrumentation, and so on were beautiful. Didn’t get as repetitive as I thought it would, but it’s still not incredibly exciting. 4/5
4
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Mon Jan 30 2023
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
This album goes so unbelievably hard. Badass lyrics, beautiful instrumentation, great singing, production, structure, it’s all fantastic. I have no critiques, therefore I must give it a. 5/5
5
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Tue Jan 31 2023
Murmur
R.E.M.
Lame, but in a cool way. 3/5
3
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Wed Feb 01 2023
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Not generally a Talking Heads guy. Not quite my vibe, but I can enjoy this album. Very original and in a good way, for the most part. Not much to dislike on this one, except for the range is a little low. 4/5
4
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Thu Feb 02 2023
Dry
PJ Harvey
Not a big fan of Harvey, but I liked this album more than her other work. Did seem to be just a little noisy at parts, but it was cool. Not for me though. 3/5
3
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Fri Feb 03 2023
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I love this album so much. Incredible debut album. Obviously, you have: Tuesday’s Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Simple Man, and Freebird, but the other four are solid as well, just overshadowed by those classics. I Ain’t the One and Poison Whiskey are perfect country rock songs. Things Goin’ On has a cool funky rhythm to it and Mississippi Kid is a fun blues song. Everything on this album is so clearly great. Obviously the instrumentation, vocals, structure, production, are all fucking sick. 5/5
5
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Sat Feb 04 2023
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
This album could have been a lot better if they had poured more time into enhancing a smaller number of stronger songs rather than giving full attention and resources to 2 hours of music. None of the songs are necessarily bad, but you can pick out multiple on the album that they could have done without as they sound incredibly similar to another or more. Generally, length of an album shouldn’t be a factor when rating, but when the run time is over double what a typical record would entail, one must question if all that extra noise was needed. Lyrics, production, and instrumentation are great. Vocals could get a little stale at times given the lack if range. Still a fantastic album, but it could have been a whole lot more fantastic. 4/5
4
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Sun Feb 05 2023
Infected
The The
It’s not bad, but where it fails is that it isn’t good. 3/5
3
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Mon Feb 06 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Ain’t sayin this album has the best lyrics or range, but the raw force and excitement you get from it is incredible. Makes me feel like I could punch a hole through another hole. Unfortunately, nothing else on the album really stood out, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. 3/5
3
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Tue Feb 07 2023
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Even if I didn’t enjoy this album, which I do, the lyrics themselves get it to at least a four out of five as being an album that acts as a voice of a generation. The range of melancholy, to spunky funk, to soft rock, to downright depressing, and so on while always remaining folk makes it possibly the best folk album of all time. I understand peoples complaints with the seemingly endless verses, but the album accomplishes what it set out to to do. Bobby Boy sings everything he wants to sing and I can’t argue with that. 5/5
5
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Wed Feb 08 2023
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
I like the traditional folk songs with a bit of rock to spruce them up. Not incredibly original, but enjoyable if you’re in the mood. 3/5
3
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Thu Feb 09 2023
The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Experimental is good for expanding a band or artists vision of what they are capable of making and performing. Experimental music does not always breed enjoyable songs, but will usually lead to original and enjoyable music later. This album is definitely experimental for the time, but not compl enjoyable. I enjoyed it, but not all too much. Definitely original, but not quite fun. Also, production wasn’t that great, but lyrics were good. 3/5
3
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Fri Feb 10 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
This was a fun album, not very original and sounded a bit too much like the Beatles. Nothing at all wrong with, but I also can’t say I was blown away by anything. It’s just nice. 3/5
3
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Sat Feb 11 2023
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
I was surprised to see this album show up and went in not expecting much. I definitely would say that I got more than I thought and genuinely enjoyed most of the album. Can get a little boring in some parts and some of the lyrics are a little corny, but for the most part it's unexpectedly good. Great production, structure, instrumentation, chord progressions, and vocals. I like what she's done with the genre. Taken traditional country and presented it in a way that doesn't feel stale. 4/5
4
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Sun Feb 12 2023
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
I’m getting mid 80s British garage band and I’m not particularly a fan of that. It isn’t exciting or new, but nothing particularly wrong here. I didn’t enjoy it. 3/5
3
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Mon Feb 13 2023
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Weird, wacky, wonderful fun. A very enjoyable album. Substance-wise, there isn’t too too much there to latch onto, but enough for me to give it an above average rating. 4/5
4
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Tue Feb 14 2023
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This album is semi-fun and semi-original. All in all, not too excited about it, but I’d definitely listen to it again as I did enjoy it. Nothing here that’s quite groundbreaking, as it is furthering a nee genre. Songs can start to get stale with such long runtimes, while some impressed me by keeping me interested with the long runtimes. 4/5
4
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Wed Feb 15 2023
Soul Mining
The The
There's music for the sake of music and then there's music for the sake of, I don’t know, thought? I've never found the The to be very enjoyable. More so a band to think about when you've finished listening. The mixing was poor as well, which doesn't help. I'll say that it was original, funky new bass lines and electronic elements helped keep the album interesting, but not interesting enough for me to ever want to listen to it again. 3/5
3
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Thu Feb 16 2023
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Pretty difficult to decide whether or not I like this. The whole thing is kind of a mess in the way that usually comes together as whole to be something good, but this doesn't quite make the mark and ends up just being muddled. Not a fan of the singer's voice or the production. The lyrics are alright as well as the instrumentation. Not a big fan of anything here, but nothing awful either, just not quite sure what to make of the entire thing. 3/5
3
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
This album had more range than I thought it would. Operatic ballads, funky guitar riffs, and hunky dory tracks make it very enjoyable to listen to. Instruments and vocals sound great and the lyrics are entertaining as well. There's nothing here to really complain about except that I personally just felt it was a tad lackluster and I can't even really tell where. I just have this feeling that they weren't quite enthusiastic about the songs they were creating, even if they did play their hearts out on them. 4/5
4
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Sat Feb 18 2023
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
That was a nice album to listen to. First half better than the second, even though California Dreaming is the most recognizable. Almost had more range than just folk songs, but they were done well enough for me not to care about the lack of range. Wasn't incredibly original either with a fair number of the songs being covers and not that different from their source material. I liked the album, but apart from maybe two or three songs, there really isn't much here. 3/5
3
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Sun Feb 19 2023
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Excellent album, thoroughly enjoyed the addition of Neil even if they didn’t. Possibly the best folk rock band ever and this album is a perfect example why. They blend the two genres seamlessly for a wonderful time. Wish there was a tad more range, but other than that, the singing, instrumentation, lyrics, and production were all spectacular. 4/5
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Mon Feb 20 2023
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
An actual masterpiece. I know it’s jazz, but it’s fun to listen to; if you have the time. It does seem more life one long song rather than four separate which is fine, and more common in jazz, but not to this extent. I don’t think there are enough jazz albums on this list and this addition is a great example of why there should be more. I wish I knew enough about jazz to justify the score I’m giving this album, but until then, I will keep listening and enjoying Mingus. 4/5
4
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Tue Feb 21 2023
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
I was really enjoying this album up until the point where I was forced to listen to a gospel song. It was one of the better religious songs I've heard, but still, there is no better way to kill my good than to start singing about Jesus. The rest of the album was phenomenal, not his best work as it did get a little repetitive, but still very enjoyable and I liked listening to it. 3/5
3
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Wed Feb 22 2023
The White Album
Beatles
Was really enjoying this album’s experimental work until John took it too far with NUMBA NINE. Everything else was very good, definitely could have dropped some other songs, like Wild Honey Pie and had it be a single disc. Overall, very enjoyable, will listen again. 4/5
4
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Thu Feb 23 2023
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
One of the most influential albums Merle ever made, practically creating the Outlaw Country sub-genre. Not a very popular or lasting genre, but it was original for the time. It sure is fun and I enjoyed the album. 4/5
4
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Fri Feb 24 2023
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I almost felt something, but I think that may have just been me going into a coma. The singer had no opinion or say in almost all of the choices concerning the creation of this album (or any of his albums frankly). This creates a separation between the vocals and the content of those songs. A wall between what the song is really about, how the writer felt about the song, and how Mr. Presley sung them. Elvis has a lot of energy, which I enjoy, but I don't think he was ever that talented, just and excited kid with a good manager (arguably). The lyrics, production, and instrumentation were all good, but just good. Elvis gave a powerful performance, but he's just not all that in my opinion. 3/5
3
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Sat Feb 25 2023
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
This album of Kendrick's, especially, is responsible for expanding the hip-hop genre in a way that was desperately needed. The start of creating music of truth that transcended all genres. The influence of this album will be felt for, I don't know, but probably a long time, right? Lyrically, Mr. Lamar is one of the best in the game, ever. Production and structure is beautiful. I can't think of thing not to like about this album, it's so darn good. 5/5
5
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Sun Feb 26 2023
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
If I'm being honest with myself, this is not a very good album, just more unoriginal brit pop, but I find it fun and enjoyed it for some reason, so that's worth something. 3/5
3
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Mon Feb 27 2023
Low-Life
New Order
For all of the brit-pop cluttering this list, some actual good british albums can get lost in the crowd, but this one stands out to me as one of the true gems. Still, 80s brit-pop as a genre was never my favorite, but I gotta hand it to them, they made an original album album that was, not only bearable, but downright enjoyable at parts. Not too many complaints, vocals aren’t very strong and almost got repetitive, but it hung in there. 3/5
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys seems to be able to blend hip-hop, punk, jazz, and rock seamlessly all on one album. Samples are great. Lyrics are great. Production is great. Energy is great. Whole album becomes a little slow at the end, but I very much enjoyed all of it. 4/5
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Wed Mar 01 2023
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
What a disappointing, uninspired and unoriginal album Elvis has made. Half the songs were completely boring and lackluster and the other half were, maybe fun, but already been done before. There’s nothing quite new here. I enjoyed the chord progressions and the production is good, but that’s all. Wasn’t even a fan of the instrumentation of vocals. 2/5
2
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Alanis made a wonderfully delightful album that was one of the defining albums of the 90s. The production is great, the singing is excellent, and the lyrics are fantastic. At a little under an hour long runtime, the album does feel a little stale towards the end, but the whole record is also so original and very fun that it doesn't bother me. 4/5
4
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
I really liked some of these songs and detested a couple others. A lot were just meh, but all in all nothing ever really blew me away. Definitely original and I enjoyed those bits. 3/5
3
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Sat Mar 04 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Original and experimental, but repetitive we hell. Whole album was very enjoyable. Hell of a end song too. 3/5
3
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Sun Mar 05 2023
Black Metal
Venom
Uninspired to the point of annoyance. Instrumentally, they’re technically talented, but use the same basic metal song structure every time. Repetitive and unoriginal, some parts are enjoyable, but if you’ve heard one song, you’ve heard them all. Lyrics are awful, like they’re trying to be satanic without actually knowing what that is. Production value is also just trash. Little to redeem this album, just some mindless metal to put on for a workout or something. 2/5
2
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
I understand it was a different time and that making an album full of songs that sounded identical wasn’t that bad, but as an album, today, it’s too repetitive. The songwriting is great, but no thanks to these two brothers. Instrumentation is great as well as the vocal harmonies being incredible. Other than that, it’s pretty lackluster. 3/5
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
I’ve always thought this genre was more of a palate cleanser than anything else, but I really enjoyed this one. Not enough to listen to it again because, I’m a sucker for lyrics, but this is perhaps the best album of this genre I’ve ever heard, whatever this genre is called? The structure and chords were fantastic. The way they use 3/4 timing in “Two Hearts in 3/4 Time” is really dope in a way I haven’t heard before. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
This is a fairly new album in comparison to most other on this list and with newer albums it's hard to determine what is original and good vs what is just experimental nonsense. This album is absolutely fantastic, experimental and original in all the right places. Incredibly enjoyable and I look forward to listening to it again. 4/5
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Absolutely anxiety inducing less than a minute in. He certainly is doing his own thing and I—kinda—like it, but also I one hundred percent understand how someone wouldn't. It sounds like every musician was given sheet music for the song and told to just get through it as fast as they fucking could. I don't think I'll ever listen to this again, but it was surely interesting to hear what thrash and jazz would sound like together. In that sense, he did a great job, but music is no good if you can't enjoy it and I can't imagine where this could be enjoyed or who would ever seriously put this on. The timing of the drums rarely match up with the brass, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it isn't done particularly well on this album. Also gets a tad repetitive. It looks like people are really hating on this album and all I can say is that I get it, at least more than most people it seems. 3/5
3
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Hate to say it, but it really was just some noise. A tad better than garage rock, but they all sounded the same. You could pick one song off the album and claim to have heard them all. Not to say that that one song is bad. It’s a pretty good album to just put on and forget about while working or exercising or something. 2/5
2
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Sat Mar 11 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
This album made me want to dress like Hugh Hefner and sit on a bear rug, feeding chocolates to my lover in front of a big fireplace in a dimly lit room. Just a nice half hour of good soulful music. Incredibly enjoyable. Love this album. Great instrumentation and singing. Chords and song structures were great. When I got to “Keep Gettin’ It On” I was a little worried about there being a lack of range and by the album’s end, still wasn’t quite satisfied. However, I don’t think this album necessarily needs a ton of range to work. It’s more a vibe-album and has enough lyrical range to carry it. I certainly didn’t care at all for the moaning in the beginning of “You Sure Love To Ball”. 4/5
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Sun Mar 12 2023
World Clique
Deee-Lite
I don’t think it’s bad, but I do find the entire album slightly disconcerting and off-putting. I won’t listen to it again, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. Really don’t know how to feel about it. Some parts are really good, but then another part in the same song will make me want to turn off the album. 3/5
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
None of these songs feel like they belong on the same album, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, in this case, it’s in the sense of the production quality being so drastically different from track to track that it makes it jarring to listen to, and takes away from the general flow of the album. His singing leaves a lot to be desired as well. Instrumentation was fine and lyrics were good. The songs themselves alone were great, but it felt too much like a compilation album. Not that they were all his best tracks, more like they belong to different recording sessions on different albums. I don’t know why it’s so disconcerting to me. The album is fine other than that. 3/5
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
This album impressed me a lot more than I thought it would. The chords and structures especially. Obviously the instrumentation is next to none in the heavy metal world. I don't mind the singing as much as others might. I agree that their second singer is better, but forgetting that, it's still an incredibly enjoyable album. One that I will put on once in a while. It's original, has range, and substance, not just thrash noise. 4/5
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Arise
Sepultura
I’ve always found death metal to be a pretty difficult genre to get into, but these guys seem like they’re really going to be my intro. Instrumentation fucking slaps, so do the structure and chords. My problem bas always been associated with the degree of difficulty in understanding what the singer is saying, but Derrick Green floats that line between intelligible and death metal singer very well. Definitely one of, if not, my favorite death metal album. 4/5
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Couldn't understand a lick of what they were saying, but I was certainly bopping the entire time. Downright pleasant time. 4/5
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
There isn’t much going on here aside from the lyrics. Guitar stays on the same level of intricacy the whole album. The other instruments aren’t very impressive, either. None of it, including vocals, is bad, but it’s nothing special. What really makes this album are the chords and the way he flows all of those elements together as well as his lyrics. If the album weren’t as repetitive, it may have gotten a perfect score. 4/5
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Sat Mar 18 2023
All Directions
The Temptations
This shit thrives. Music with a pulsing beat. To not dance during the entire run time of the album would be a very impressive feat. Instrumentation and timing all blend together to make a perfectly funky beat. Vocals from numerous different members create a increasingly elevating and beautiful harmony. Thoroughly enjoyable, but can get a little slow and repetitive at times. Also, I’m inclined to say that the buildup in “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” is perfect. 4/5
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Sun Mar 19 2023
Suicide
Suicide
One can really go mad waiting for something to happen on this album. Such a boring and disappointingly uneventful piece of music. It’s different and original from other music of the time, but fails to be very deep. You could just listen to one song and get the idea of the rest. Very uninspiring. Even “Frankie’s Teardrop”, by far the most out there song on the album, was fucking unbearable. They are technically talented musicians, but haven’t got a clue on how to make an enjoyable album. 2/5
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
I didn’t expect much going in. Not sure why, maybe the underwhelming album cover, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I got. Enjoyable songs with a ton of range. Only gripe is that the songs don’t quite excite me. They’re really great and I enjoyed every track on the album, but it didn’t quite have that inspiring element to it that would’ve made it legendary. Great production, instrumentation and vocals. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4/5
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
My only complaint is that some tracks weren’t long enough. He seemed to have about half a concept album and finished the rest with some filler tracks that could have really enhanced the album if more time was put into them. Everything else was perfect and I can’t imagine any other issues someone could have. His singing, as always, is beautiful. Instrumentation was tight and I even enjoyed the instrumentals. One of my favorites of his. This was Willie’s second album of the year and, to this day, it is common for him to release at least an album a year. I can only imagine if he took a break from pumping out album after album and took a pause to really craft one incredible album. 5/5
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
I don't like live album cover bands, and these guys are clearly just an imitation of The Grateful Dead. Not a bad imitation, but an imitation none the less. I really don't have much to say other than they played well, but that's not much. I don't really have anything to go off so how could I rate them. I enjoyed listening to the album so I guess they got that going for them. Want to give them a one, but I know they don't deserve that low. 2/5
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Thu Mar 23 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Fantastic metal album, one of the best. Possibly Iron Maiden’s best work. Lyrics and instrumentation are phenomenal. Also the new singer is doing wonderful, way better than the first guy, although I didn’t hate him either. Incredibly enjoyable, wasn’t my first listen and it won’t be my last. 5/5
5
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Loved this album. Very original and I could never see what was coming next, which I loved. Nothing special about the singing or instrumentation in my opinion, but the chords and structure were fascinating. I enjoyed this album very much and will be listening again, although probably not as a whole album as not every song was all that exciting, just a good few. 4/5
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Sat Mar 25 2023
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
One of the most iconic rap albums of all time with an almost incalculable influence spanning both genres and decades. Admittedly, it does sound a tad dated given what is being made today, but all modern rap music must pay homage to the OG's who paved the way. A wildly original style for the time. Although it may sound a little dorky for today's standards, there isn't much to not like. 4/5
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Sun Mar 26 2023
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Kinda fun? is all the possible positivity I can give this album. Unoriginal, aggressively repetitive, lackluster lyrics, alright production. The best of the album is when it ends. I really fucking loved the bassist on this, though. He is the only aspect keeping this album from a complete failure. Funky funky. 2/5
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
As always, I was disappointed to receive another post punk 80s Brit-Pop album, but this one was very refreshing compared to others I've gotten. Experimental and original content that expanded the genre instead of just playing in it. In my opinion, the album was a little slow, but had a surprising amount of range I appreciate the effort and risk on some of these tracks. I enjoyed this album a lot more than others of the same genre on this list. 4/5
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Can you think of anything wrong with this album. It’s like their first and second albums are just part one and part two. Not a single thing to change. An inspiration to so many musicians, including myself. The solo on “Heartbreaker” is the reason I started playing guitar. Perfect. 5/5
5
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I’m a little surprised I haven’t heard more about D’Angelo. The album was a tad repetitive for my taste, but other than that, I enjoyed it. Forgettable, but not unbearable by any means. 3/5
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
I enjoyed this album, but doubt I’ll listen again. They did a great job singing and all harmonizing, but there’s only so much you can do without instruments before it becomes repetitive. 3/5
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Listening to this album feels like being smacked in the skull with a sack of bricks. I don’t know what kind of debauchery is being described, but the entire first half of this album just makes me feel dirty. The second half was a lot easier to enjoy, as it was more traditional. I believe it was good. Lyrics were incredible. He was gifted with a very unique voice. Wide range, original chord progressions, and structure was nice. 4/5
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Sat Apr 01 2023
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
This was fun and had a lot of substance to it. Pigs is a great intro song and the energy falters a little here and there, but for the most part, they maintain that high. Loved the lyrics, great structure and flow. Very enjoyable. 4/5
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Sun Apr 02 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
There is so much I love about this album. Such a new vibe. Good enough range. Very original. The singing is both soft and powerful. The instrumentation is beautiful and poignant. Chords and structure impressed me and the lyrics and also pretty good. 4/5
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Mon Apr 03 2023
American Gothic
David Ackles
He can’t pull a single one of these songs. He doesn’t sing like he really loves the songs, he’s just getting through them. I don’t believe him. Never heard of him and for goos reason it seems. Lyrically, stylistically, and vocally, he sounds like he is copying other popular artists of the time and fails at every turn to capture what makes them special. It isn’t quite unbearable to listen to, but damn near. Even the structure and instrumentation were choppy and poor. I can’t think of a single plus to give this album, except that maybe the theatrical parts were a little interesting. Sorry Davy. 1/5
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Tue Apr 04 2023
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
What an amazing album. Everything is so good and original and exciting. Alive with energy. So many good artists all on one album. Dragged toward the end of the album and some songs may go on a little long, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. No doubt will listen to again. 4/5
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Really enjoyed this album, it was fun. Not much here to rag on, but also not much to rave over. 3/5
3
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Thu Apr 06 2023
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
“I know what’s good, and I know what trash is”
Hey me too!
2/5
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Crazysexycool
TLC
Oh hell yeah. This is fire. 90s R&B at its finest. Loved it, very enjoyable except for the interludes, which I almost never enjoy. A tad repetitive, but I didn’t really mind. 4/5
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Sat Apr 08 2023
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Pretty experimental for prog rock. Never too experimental, but perhaps that’s why I found myself becoming bored with it. Was pretty repetitive and no big change up throughout the album. Enjoyable and entertaining, but that’s all. 3/5
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Sun Apr 09 2023
Viva Hate
Morrissey
Wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but I did expect it to be good; and it was. I almost enjoyed it too. The problem I’ve always had with this guy is that his voice is always so needlessly melodramatic. Weren’t any tracks I thought were objectively bad, but I can’t say I was all too thrilled with any either. 3/5
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Sail Away
Randy Newman
Randy Newman has such a recognizable voice, especially if you grew up with Toy Story. Didn’t like the god parts, but they were still not bad songs. Enjoyed the whole thing, but it got repetitive, just a bit. Not a very exciting album. Lyrically it’s wonderful and thoughtful. The chords and structure go hard as well. Mid to good. 3/5
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Tue Apr 11 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Not a single bad thing to say about this album. Absolute perfection. Some of Zeppelin’s best songs and, needless to say, Stairway is one of the best songs of all time. The whole thing is so innovative, while still remaining grounded. 5/5
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Like an uninspired, country version of Bruce Springsteen with less feeling. Nice basic songwriting and structure, nothing extra. Nice album to throw on just to have some noise, but isn’t really deep. It’s fun and I enjoyed it. No substance though. 3/5
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Lovely acoustic album of the 1980s. Wasn’t too out there, but did have some original and unique bits to it which make the album very enjoyable. The combination of different genres and less popular instruments really add the creativity of this album. 4/5
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Exceptionally pleasing to listen to, but not for an hour and fifteen minutes. Too repetitive. Kinda? changes it up towards the end. A pretty influential album. Great samples and lyrics. Enjoyed it. 4/5
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Sat Apr 15 2023
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Frank kinda takes the spotlight and shoves ol’ Jobim to the corner doesn’t he? Taking the parts of Bossa Nova he enjoys and forming it to the style he desires. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact, I think it adds to Sinatra’d talent to be able to blend two regions of music so seamlessly. Beautifully quiet and powerful album. Lyrically impressive as are almost all of Frankie boy’s songs. Not much to dislike, but it didn’t wow me or anything. 4/5
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Sun Apr 16 2023
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It was surprisingly original and innovative. He uses odd time signatures without making them sound odd. The writing and instrumentation and also pretty good. I was never a big fan of his voice, but it could be worse. The album never seemed to feel repetitive. Always something new going on, though some tracks ran a tad long. 4/5
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
I don’t think this guy’s very talented. 2/5
2
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Tue Apr 18 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Kinda clunky, honky-tonk rock. It isn’t the most original music, but it’s quite enjoyable. Every song achieves what it set out to do. Not much to hate here and a lot to love. Good deal of emotion in here too, though maybe a bit repetitive at the end. 3/5
3
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
I had never heard of this album or the band or any of their songs. After listening, my expectations have far been surpassed. So much range on this album. Lovely songs that were also so original it’s hard to believe it came out over 20 years ago. I loved the entire thing start to finish even if some songs didn’t quite land. 4/5
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Such a beautiful album. Glad I had this excuse to listen to it again. Not a single miss on the entire album. Perfect from the start in lyrics, composition, instrumentation, and Bowie’s recognizable warm voice pulls it all together to deliver such a brilliant album. 5/5
5
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
His lazy, half-assed attempt at sounding reggae is distracting.I can’t tell if it works, but I’m leaning towards absolutely not. Same song the whole album, minimal range. Enjoyable, but not for almost an hour. 3/5
3
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Sat Apr 22 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
These are incredibly beautiful songs. It's a shame they've never become very popular, because there's a lot to love here. Nick's voice is so unique and contains so much emotion in it. The lyrics are poetic and beautiful and the instruments, however few they may be are played so fantastically. I enjoy his music very much. 4/5
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Sun Apr 23 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
Well I can’t say that album justifies its place on the list, but it was certainly entertaining. He has some really nice songs in there, just not very original or inspiring or having range. 3/5
3
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Eric Clapton makes this band somehow more boring than it already is, which seemed impossible considering they’re a white blues band. 2/5
2
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
This album really drones on without providing much of a break anywhere. It’s the same repetitive, melodramatic song over and over. An original sound that I haven’t quite heard before or since. I could pick one or two songs from this album and be fine not listening to the rest, though. Innovative. 4/5
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Here's an extremely lackluster 80s band that somehow wrote and recorded one of the most popular songs of the decade and nothing else of consequence. Their use of synth is semi-original, but not at all innovative. Lyrics, production, and structure are all fine. People seem to think this album is really something special solely because of the title track, but their failure to replicate such a song ever again proves, at least to me, that it was a stroke of luck. 2/5
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Thu Apr 27 2023
The Undertones
The Undertones
An inspiration to any group that doesn’t know more than four chords. And they were. The Undertones were such a big inspiration for so may bands forming the punk rock genre, so, respect there. As far as the album itself goes, it’s pretty good. There’s not much, instrumentally speaking, but they make up for that lack very fun and enjoyable music. Lyrically and thematically great as well. 4/5
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Fri Apr 28 2023
En-Tact
The Shamen
I don’t want to think about this somethingless noise anymore. I want to move on and never again think of this uninspired album again.
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Sat Apr 29 2023
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was consistently at the forefront of every major jazz movement, innovating throughout every stage of his career. ‘Bitches Brew’ is a perfect example of him doing whatever the hell he wants, taking risks, and being completely successful at it and creating one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. One of the greatest albums of all time in general. Most people who dislike this album are people who didn’t even try to understand it. I don’t understand jazz whatsoever, but I still think this album fuckin grooves dude. 5/5
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Sun Apr 30 2023
The Clash
The Clash
They were doing so much in a genre that really didn’t require that much at the time and went some much further than what was required, experimenting with new techniques and all of it worked so well to make such an enjoyable debut album. One of the best punk rock albums of all time. 4/5
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Mon May 01 2023
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
I love this album so much. It’s so beautiful. The lyrics are on a whole other level of incredible, with help from the late, great Robert Hunter. Chords feel familiar but they’re also very original. Also, a good variety of songs on this album from a band who historically have low of range. The instruments are tight which comes from a band that is completely all on the same page with each other. It goes without saying, as well, that the songs are so fun to listen to. Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple, and Truckin’ are the hits and also half of the entire album. This album was such a big step up for the band and the music community at the time, I haven’t a single complaint. 5/5
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Tue May 02 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
An undeniably enjoyable groove. This is an unavoidable toe-tapper. The lyrics are’t incredible and I’ve never been too big a fan of instrumentals, but they make up for it with simply how fun all these songs are. 3/5
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Wed May 03 2023
Live At Leeds
The Who
I love The Who. I hate live albums. Few bands can pull off a good live album and I hold nothing against The Who for not being one of those bands. I do, however, hold it against the curator of this list. 1/5
1
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Thu May 04 2023
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Not the best jazz I've ever listened to, but it was a nice, pretty original and enjoyable album. Very calming and beautiful, but not all that inspiring. 3/5
3
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Fri May 05 2023
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
I was listening to this album while writing a paper for my biology class that I, coincidentally, submitted in the “Nick of Time”. This doesn’t really have anything to do with my ranking if the album, but I though it was cool. The album was nice. The lyrics were beautiful and reflective in a genre that tends to get bogged down in cliches. The songs were fun to listen to and didn’t get boring, which is always a plus. I don’t think any of it was incredibly original, apart from the words she sang, however I liked it. 4/5
4
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Sat May 06 2023
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Boring and uninspired. Some parts could be interesting, but for the most part, not interested. 3/5
3
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Sun May 07 2023
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
A wonderful psychedelic rock album. A true hidden treasure of the genre. Wasn’t too much substance here, but most of the tracks were enjoyable. Some tracks were annoying, but for the most part, fun. 3/5
3
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Mon May 08 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
This isn’t their best work. Our great great list curator overlords have selected a Deep Purple album at a time in their career when they sounded like a garage rock band with something a little special going on. This album is certainly better than just garage rock, but the long instrumental bits aren’t good enough to justify themselves, which take away from the album. The lyrics are very cool and I enjoyed the whole thing. I just know they have much more to offer, which makes the album feel boring comparatively. 3/5
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Tue May 09 2023
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
This album leaves with the taste of nothing in my mouth. A palette cleanser that goes on too long. They thought so far outside the box that they ended up making their own box that they were unable to think outside of. The music of this album fails to deliver the excitement promised to us listeners by the cover art. I am disappointed, but not surprised. 2/5
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Wed May 10 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
This album surprised me by having a better second half than first half, a trait which most albums aren’t able to boast. Both halves were good, but I enjoyed the latter more because it delivered the excitement promised by the title and and cover art. The first half was, honestly, boring as fuck. Though I recognize, like The Flaming Lips’ whole discography, it was original and innovative, I wasn’t able to get into it. A lackluster beginning with a pretty solid closing. 3/5
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Thu May 11 2023
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Such an important album. So innovative. Bookending the album with the first and second half of a beautiful 26 minute song that perfectly encapsulates what it means to lose a friend. In between are three songs that deal with the soulless life of the music industry and the best send off to an original frontman there ever was, though there isn’t much competition. The writing, playing, structure, vocals, chords, everything here works so well. This is an incredible album, I could write about it for so much longer. I love it. 5/5
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Fri May 12 2023
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I’ll call this, over an hour of me waiting for something interesting to happen. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, I waited in vain. Maybe I would enjoy this if I was cracked up, but for now, it makes me want to tear my ears off and ask “why me?”. 1/5
1
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Sat May 13 2023
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I enjoyed this album very much. That doesn’t mean the album was good. I always tend to think any jazz is awesome, but this seemed a little plain. The background was incredibly simple throughout the album and, while, the sax was fantastic, it cannot make up for the fact that such a large part of what makes jazz great is lost on here. By no means was it a bad album. It was good, but it really could have been great. 3/5
3
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Sun May 14 2023
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is one of the only artists that can play as good live as he did in the studio. He has a fantastic live persona that just electrifies the audience. Usually, I can never stand live versions of songs. Johnny makes one of the only exceptions. It does feel like cheating in a way, though, because he can pick his best songs. So, the album is composed of some of Johnny’s best songs, but the score I give it can’t reflect that. A real dilemma. One of the best live albums of all time. 4/5
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Mon May 15 2023
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
Oh my god, make it fucking stop. How about that? 1/5
1
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Tue May 16 2023
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Kinda boring, but also entertaining. Somewhat original, but not exciting. 3/5
3
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Wed May 17 2023
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
One of the best reggae albums from, probably, the best reggae artist there ever was. I’ve never met a single person who didn’t enjoy Bob Marley. I don’t really think it’s possible to hate the music. The lyrics are insanely profound and the instrumentation is fantastic. Every song on this album slaps. They don’t all slap the same, but they slap. 5/5
5
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Thu May 18 2023
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Kind of good, kind of original, psychedelic rock. Not impressed, but I am entertained. 3/5
3
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Fri May 19 2023
Illmatic
Nas
I don’t think people give this album enough credit for how much it changed the rap scene, which, at the time, was in a sort of lull. Most artists started sounding the same and blending together. Nas cam on the scene with this album which was so innovative while also feeling incredibly familiar that his style took over the community so quickly in a way most people underestimate. This is such a thought provoking, beautiful, and very enjoyable album. 4/5
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Sat May 20 2023
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
I love how they embraced the tinny sound. An experimental wonderland that works around 90% of the time. European Son could have been cut or made better. Lyrics were beautiful and the sound was all original. 4/5
4
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Sun May 21 2023
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
The Beatles were making innovations on their own innovations. They made such good songs and made it seem so easy that the album’s reach is incalculable. Some of the most timeless lyrics, original chords, perfect structure, and downright enjoyable. Love this album. 5/5
5
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Mon May 22 2023
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Whether you like him or not, when a crowd demands you play a song that you just finished playing, that’s good live energy. Johnny Cash is one of the best at live performances, but given that it is a live album, he can choose his best songs to perform so I have trouble giving live albums the same type of rating as studio albums. That being said, it’s on hell of a banger and I love it. All songs very enjoyable. 4/5
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Tue May 23 2023
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Lotta range, lotta fun, not much to dislike. The lyrics and chords were good. The production and structure were fine. Enjoyed it. 4/5
4
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Wed May 24 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Great album, love Bill’s work. Enjoyed it very much, but don’t understand why this couldn’t have been recorded in a studio. Would have been a lot better. 4/5
4
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Thu May 25 2023
S&M
Metallica
Fuck this. It belongs no where near this list. I love Metallica, but live albums just fucking suck 90% of the time. 2 hours of this shit didn’t help either. 2/5
2
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Fri May 26 2023
Make Yourself
Incubus
Not the best album of the nineties, but certainly one of the most nineties feeling. Enjoyed most, if not all, tracks. However, none of these songs were particularly exciting. 3/5
3
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Sat May 27 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
This is a beautiful album, with beautiful songs, with beautiful lyrics and beautiful chords. I love the entire thing. Stevie Wonder did not miss. Incredibly original and wildly enjoyable. 5/5
5
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Sun May 28 2023
Beautiful Freak
Eels
A nice easy album to listen to. I enjoyed it, although I don’t think there’s much here, substantially speaking. Not incredibly original or deep. Not particularly interesting or innovative. None of the songs were necessarily bad, though. 3/5
3
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Mon May 29 2023
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
These songs make my head fuzzy. I don’t doubt their originality, but I will be doubting their range and innovation. Enjoyed most songs, although, they’re mainly the same. 3/5
3
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Tue May 30 2023
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I expected Coldplay to be worse. They get a bad rap, but this album was pretty good. It doesn’t hold up as well as some other albums of the time, but it can still be enjoyed every once in a while. Not too original, but by no means is it a bad album. 3/5
3
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Wed May 31 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
A tad boring, if I’m being honest. Original, but not exciting. 3/5
3
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Forty-two minutes of Elizabeth Fraser moaning into the mic while the guys whist some chords together. A defining 80s sound and pretty original, but not very exciting and lacked range. Enjoyed very few parts. 3/5
3
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Fri Jun 02 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Love this album. Conveys such a strong vibe while also maintaining range. All the tracks slap. I always enjoy Mr. Smith and have nothing bad to say about this album. It’s a shame he’s not more popular. 4/5
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Sat Jun 03 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Kinda very repetitive to the point where it’s disappointing because I know they can do more. Nothing incredibly wrong with this album, I enjoyed it very much. Just wish there was a bit more. 3/5
3
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Sun Jun 04 2023
OK Computer
Radiohead
This is somewhere around my fourth time listening to the album and, each time, I enjoy it more than the last. Completely original and all in a good way. Enjoyed the hell out of it. 5/5
5
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Being There
Wilco
The quality of these songs do not justify the run time of the album. Shorten up the track listing and focus on improving your best songs. Too repetitive for nineteen tracks. None of the songs were bad. I enjoyed all of them and I did enjoy the album, just a little annoyed with the way they spent some of their time. 3/5
3
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis. The album is nice, but not as exciting as some of his other works. His music is always original, but this one feels more “of the time” while many of his others feel like future jazz that the rest of the world takes a while to catch up to. That being said, it’s still an incredible jazz album. I enjoyed every track and will most definitely listen to it again sometime in the future. 4/5
4
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Wed Jun 07 2023
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Not being able to understand the lyrics takes away from a big part of the music. I imagine if I was a bigger fan of this genre, I would be able to understand them easier, so I won’t hold it against them as it is, at times, intelligible. The chords and structures are creative and exciting. There is a good bit of range in here, especially towards the latter half, which helps. I enjoyed this album, I’ll listen to some of these songs again, but probably not all in one sitting. 3/5
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Some really good stuff in here, but also some stuff that sounds like the background music from a 70’s porno. Not a fan of that seven minute “guitar solo” either. Lots of hits and lots of misses. 3/5
3
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Fri Jun 09 2023
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
The found their sound and it certainly is unique to them. I wish the album had more range and originality to it. The covers are justified takes on the originals. There’s nothing really wrong here. Kinda bland, but not really. I can tell why they didn’t stick around long. 3/5
3
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Sat Jun 10 2023
Dookie
Green Day
A fantastic album. If not their best, one of them. Definitely top 2. I enjoy every song on this album and believe that it has a ton of range, but I’ve been listening to this album my whole life, so I’m a little biased. A generation defining album with incalculable impact. This is a great angsty album for moody teenagers that also contains deeper material you can find relevant later in life. 5/5
5
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Sun Jun 11 2023
Faust IV
Faust
If I’m forced to listen to German fusion, then this is the album I can tolerate most. They had just the right amount of experimental to make it exciting while also keeping it enjoyable. Unfortunately, the most enjoyable Faust songs are still semi-annoying. It’s as if each song is missing something integral to it being great, whether that’s lyrics, rhythm, justifiable runtime, too much experimenting, etc. It’s very strong in both directions, so I give it an average score, but it is by no means a “meh” album. 3/5
3
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
A good number of definite bangers in here mixed in with some very alright songs. Dusty has such a wonderful voice that puts me on her side. A lovely emotional album that I enjoyed very much and will enjoy again someday. 4/5
4
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Tue Jun 13 2023
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Such an insanely good album that I will never be smart enough to completely understand. I come away with something new each time I listen. Kendrick has a way of blending intellectual ideas into enjoyable songs. Not only were there hits on hits, but all of them were also full of substance. One of the best albums of all time. I think that final song could have been cut in half, but whatever. 5/5
5
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Wed Jun 14 2023
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
I really like some of these songs. I really despise the others. The Velvet Underground definitely have a distinct sound, not that I enjoy it, but it’s certainly original. I admire the risk of experimenting they took, but, personally, it was just all over the place. 3/5
3
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
This album sounds like a band with the potential to do some pretty amazing stuff, but this specific album is not there yet. There a elements to it that I really enjoy, and if they leaned into them more, it make for a solid album. It’s a good debut album. They clearly define their distinct sound and have some original concepts going. Only main issue for me is that the production doesn’t sound to hot, but other than that, it’s great. 4/5
4
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Paul Simon has done better and the juxtaposition between this album and his greater work is noticeable. The writing is down considerably. Cars Are Cars? Still not a bad album, enjoyed most songs, just not his best. 3/5
3
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Sat Jun 17 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I always enjoy this album. It was fresh and original while still being fun to listen to. Good writing, chords, production, instrumentation, and singing. Structure’s alright. I would’ve played “Time of the Season” first and “This Will Be Out Year” last. Good opener and closer. 4/5
4
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Sun Jun 18 2023
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
I love this album and I really enjoyed listening, but it is bad. Lazy writing, unoriginal chords and structure, lackluster performance. The runtime is too short, especially since two are gospel songs. The production was good and the Byrds definitely have their unique sound, but that doesn’t save this album. Quite a vibe though. 2/5
2
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Chelsea Girl
Nico
I feel as though I’m listening to someone brought from the middle ages into a studio. Lyrics are good, but it not original. I can enjoy it if I’m in the mood. Also, personally, I’m not a fan of Nico’s voice. A unique album, but not interesting or original. 2/5
2
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Tue Jun 20 2023
21
Adele
This is such a beautiful album. The singing obviously, but also the production, lyrics, instrumentation. It’s got range and originality. It feels fresh and I enjoy listening to it. 4/5
4
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Such a raw debut album. Whereas her second album had more bangers. This one was softer and more subtle. The modern jazz was beautiful and so was her singing, as always. The songwriting could be a little clunky in places, but were good for the most part. Enjoyed it. 4/5
4
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Thu Jun 22 2023
More Specials
The Specials
It was fun at first, but then quickly turned to repetitive and annoying. Not impressed. 2/5
2
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
They made listening to post-punk a bearable activity. The songs felt unique, energetic, and fun. They have a sound that makes them stand out and I’ll always enjoy listening to any if these songs. 4/5
4
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Sat Jun 24 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Muddy waters is a great musician, but this was a live album and it did not deliver as live albums often do. Apologies, Mr. Mud. Each song was good, but sounded very similar to the previous. 2/5
2
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Sun Jun 25 2023
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
That was mostly a waste of time. I feel no wiser after listening. Nothing gained. Although “Beach Samba” was enjoyable, it was nowhere near close enough to save the album from being competitively boring. 2/5
2
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Mon Jun 26 2023
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Production is great, but the sounds that they produce are fine. Most of the time, they’re fun to listen to, but nothing special. Unique, but boring. Almost got excited in a few parts. 3/5
3
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
These are well crafted, fun, enthusiastic, blues songs. I enjoyed every second of it. It isn’t the most innovative album, innovative for blues, but not really for the rest of the music industry. Everything is fantastic. Muddy and his band all play together so perfectly. Love this album. 4/5
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
This is a fun album. All the songs are enjoyable, but they do start to blend together pretty quickly. There’s nothing wrong with the album per se, but it’s not incredibly inspiring either. Just nice and relaxing. 3/5
3
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Unimaginative, unoriginal, and unintriguing. I was hoping that the lyrics would be interesting at the very least, but they’re very bad and I just can’t find anything good to say about this. It couldn’t end soon enough. 1/5
1
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Fri Jun 30 2023
In It For The Money
Supergrass
This is wonderful. Feels authentic and original while also being enjoyable to listen to. Things do start to blend together, but the songs themselves are great. The experimental bits work without being too much. Surprised it’s this good for never having heard of it. 4/5
4
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Sat Jul 01 2023
I Should Coco
Supergrass
This is the second Supergrass album in row. I don’t know if they so this on purpose, but they shouldn’t. Pretty similar to the other one on this list. Fun songs, fairly original, some substance. I don’t see a big change in quality between the two. Suppose I’ll give it the same rating. 4/5
4
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Sun Jul 02 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Not sure what genre Alice In Chains is (unease?), but they sure are the best at it. Classic 90s hits in a style that most people would never bother trying to ingest. Alice In Chains made it so good, the average neanderthal could enjoy it. Good shit, love to see, it hear, be with it. 4/5
4
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Wow. Slow goins, huh, Brian? What a boring album. First track was single piano notes, next was mind numbing aahs. Half expected the third song (if you don’t mind me calling them songs) to be a single snare drum being hit slowly and melodically, but no. The aahs stayed and the one fingered pianist was brought back for an encore. Final track, and there are only four, was the most exciting and if you just listen to the final track you’d be like “This is the exciting one?”. Also, what was with the 20ish seconds of silence that closed out each track? Truly an atrocious piece of work. The only kind of good thing I can say about it is that it sounds like an intriguing idea in theory. I realized that I had actually listened to this album before, but I forgot because it was so uneventful, and, please I beg of thee, let me forget the 48 minutes I wasted enduring this again. 1/5
1
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Tue Jul 04 2023
1999
Prince
Some funky 80s synth bops. Prince is no doubt original. This album feels like he can't get his talent out fast enough. Ends up like a jumble of confusing songs that don't know what they're trying to accomplish. Not to say none of the songs land, just that it feels very multi-directional. Also, something needs to be said about the length. Most songs were not good enough to justify how long they went on. Just end them already. It gets annoying. 4/5
4
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Wed Jul 05 2023
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
This is a very unfocused project from these guys. It pulls a lot from Elvis Costello vocally and a number of mediocre garage rock band instrumentally, which, in this context, feels indecisive and not well done. There are some solid, fun songs on here, but it’s difficult to get past the cheesy lyrics, repetitiveness, and unoriginal style. 3/5
3
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This is an assortment of forgettable rock-pop tracks with nothing special going on in any of them. They definitely cultivated a sound and style unique to them, but the only issue is that it’s not enjoyable whatsoever. It makes the music a little grittier, but in a disorienting way that leaves the listener with a headache. The last track caught my attention after all the repetitive songs before. Couldn’t save the album, though. 2/5
2
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Hit after hit on this album. Almost track lands. Every one is a bop for me and I can always enjoy it. I understand the long cover may not be for everyone though. I understand that, it was very ambitious. Solid production, writing, instrumentation, vocals etc. Not much to dislike. 4/5
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Sat Jul 08 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
This is my least favorite album by my favorite band. I don't think they're as there creatively as they are in their other projects. It was a new direction, but the execution was a tad sloppy. The songs "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" and "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper" exemplify this best. They're disorienting with no real redeeming qualities. "Friends" and "Out On the Tiles" are a little better, but ultimately kind of annoying. Also, I've always thought "Immigrant Song" was overrated, although I do love it. I love the rest, as well, and actually think they're underrated comparatively. I appreciate the band going a new direction into softer rock and still always enjoy listening. I just enjoy some tracks more than others is all. 4/5
4
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Sun Jul 09 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Solid. Iconic. Fun. The only thing against the album is that the songs get repetitive pretty quick as most of them have a very similar beat. Most, not all. Also, lyrically, some problematic themes. Other than that, possibly the best debut rap albums of all time (if we’re not counting N.W.A. and the Posse) by one of the best rap groups ever. The influence is incalculable and I’ll always enjoy listening. 4/5
4
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
The album really took a turn for the worse once it started. The production is good, however, that’s mainly where my praise stops. The lyrics are nonsensical and the beats and vocals are annoyingly repetitive. I can’t believe they made an hour of this. If I just had one song, I could see it being a fun song to dance to and in that sense it’s fine, just not for me. 2/5
2
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Tue Jul 11 2023
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
One of the best examples of experimental psychedelic rock. They were incredibly progressive and the album shows them rocking incredibly hard and also playing very soft. It’s a well produced album with good instrumentation, vocals, lyrics, and structure. Some of the later tracks were a tad drawn out, but I enjoyed most of it. 4/5
4
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Wed Jul 12 2023
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Ice-T crafted an incredibly fun and enjoyable album while still making it original, intelligent, and relevant. There’s enough range on this album to justify a longer runtime and I didn’t get bored at all through the album. It stays intriguing the entire run. Sometimes his flow can be a little clunky and the rhythm doesn’t really match up. That’s the only critique I have though. 4/5
4
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Hot Rats is an incredibly innovative album in the jazz fusion world. Zappa and his mates have crafted a fun filled, action packed, beautifully orchestrated album with influence that cannot be overstated. I believe, in almost all cases, tracks over ten minutes could most likely be shortened. However, if we’re dealing with jazz. If it’s jazz in which we are dealing with. Jazz being the if in which we deal, then I don’t mind it. I never felt bored while listening. I’ll listen again as I’ve enjoyed it before. 5/5
5
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
I like the idea of spooky surf rock. They’re the best to ever do it, although I don’t believe they’ve been challenged. They sound like a band Herman Munster would enjoy. Each song is incredibly fun and feels totally original and unique to the band. Unfortunately, given this album is an hour of music, the songs all sound the same. Still though, I enjoyed the entire album so it only scores low for lack of range. 3/5
3
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Sat Jul 15 2023
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Classic after classic on this one. This era of Dolly is where she was at her best, at least, lyrically and for a woman in the early seventies, writing your own songs at all is impressive, let alone that they’re country gold. This album is a cozy collection of songs that can comfort you even if she’s singing about heavier topics because Dolly is just so simply, incredibly authentic. She’s an incredible singer but rarely feels the need to show that off. Some of the tracks don’t have enough going on to really keep the album moving. The blend together a little after a while (could be because more than half of them were recorded the same day), but Dolly always finds a way to pull you back in. Also, not sure if this is something I don’t like or just something I noticed, but putting “Traveling Man”, a song where Dolly criticizes her mother, directly after the title track, which praises her mother, does make for a harsh juxtaposition of her maternal relationship. All in all, love this album, love Dolly. Fun and enjoyable. 4/5
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Sun Jul 16 2023
A Seat at the Table
Solange
A collection of seemingly dreamy modern R&B songs interspersed with interview like interludes. There isn’t one aspect of this album that doesn’t work. The features are solid. The writing goes hard, especially contrasted with the airy quality of her singing, which is also solid. I have no complaints with the production, structure, or instrumentation. Melodies are original and intriguing. The only aspect that could have been improved on is that there isn’t quite enough excitement going on to hold my interest. Every now and then I’ll get pulled back, but it’s a little too low key and easy to tune out. For the most part, very enjoyable. 4/5
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
This is a little better than the average punk bad of it’s era, but barely. The Fall have their own unique sound carved out, and it’s not bad, but it isn’t very exciting either. Most songs sound pretty similar, even if they are all good. Except for the Christmas song and the last track which has too much time and too little vocals, I enjoyed the whole thing. 3/5
3
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Eliminator
ZZ Top
This is a fun album. Id you go into it wanting anything more, I believe that you’ll be pretty disappointed. The production, lyrics, vocals, and instrumentals are all basically fine, but this album really shines in the way it makes the listener feel. It’s just a good jam. Is there a lot of range on here? No. Do the two hits have practically the exact same opening? Yes. Did they put their two hits on the same side? Yes. Who cares. We ball. Enjoy yourself. 3/5
3
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Second day in a row getting ZZ Top. I don’t know that they both deserve to be on this list, not sure which I’d choose. Maybe neither. ZZ Top is a fun listen, but I don’t know if any of their albums belongs in the Top 1001. This is a good album, don’t get it twisted. They were very early in showing off their signature sound that made them unique. A very mellow and muddled country-blues-rock sound that you can put on any time you want some easy listening music. It’s good times. This album has more heart than some of their later stuff, but, as a tradeoff, is done sloppier. Instrumentation and production aren’t at their best here. Lyrics are a tad one dimensional as well. The fact that it’s clear the band is really into their music even though the sound is so relaxed is what makes this album so fun. This project shows more range than their later work. Also, can’t believe people are sleepin’ on “Hot, Blue and Righteous”. Truly the hidden gem on this album. I’d love to own this album and throw it and enjoy it on whenever I’m feeling all at one with everything. 4/5
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Thu Jul 20 2023
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
This is a significant improvement over the other Kraftwerk album on this list. These songs are both listenable and discernible from one another. There are actually some interesting parts here. My main criticism is that, although, for example, “The Robots” is a fun tune, 6 minutes of it is too much. It’s still a boring album, but it sounded alright. 2/5
2
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
This album is good in the sense that it set The Cure apart as having their own unique style instead of just being another pop-punk band. All of the songs have very original and intriguing elements to them that keep them interesting. The lyrics, chords, structure, and instrumentation are all beautiful. There is, although, an unforgiving lack of range. Not the best work of this band, but not bad. 4/5
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Sat Jul 22 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
If someone says they’re into soul, this is what I would think of. Groovy, funky soul music. I really enjoy this album. It’s fun to listen to while also being intelligent. I like that it has fun with it’s experimentation rather than taking itself too seriously. The instrumentation is great and the singing as well. Not much bad to say about it. 4/5
4
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Sun Jul 23 2023
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
This album had such an incredible amount of original experimentation that a listener should never feel bored, but here I am. 2/5
2
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Mon Jul 24 2023
In Rainbows
Radiohead
This is fun to listen to. Hell of a lot going on, but it all comes together. Great lyrics, production is impeccable, feels completely original, fun to listen to. One of the bands greatest works. Not my favorite of theirs due to lack of range, but definitely top three. 4/5
4
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Far too many classics on this album. Easily one of the greatest debut albums of all time. This album launched Hendrix onto the scene and is, unfortunately, one of only three albums we got from him. With so many songs on this project, it’s incredibly impressive that each one stands out against the others. The songwriting is beautiful and impeccable. The instrumentation is obviously immaculate, as Hendrix couldn’t play poorly if he tried. This album deserves to be on the list. Production is the only area that isn’t stellar, but I’ve never really cared too much about that. 5/5
5
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Wed Jul 26 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Genius record. Hit after hit on this one. The energy is so high from every member that the feeling becomes infectious (Charles is always gives the perfect energy). The writing and production are both good, for the time. I’ll listen to most of these songs again. 4/5
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Thu Jul 27 2023
My Generation
The Who
This may sound dated for what we have today, but for the time it was incredibly innovative. They defined their own jangly sound and, for a debut album, were pretty original. Songs like “I’m a Man” are little strange as covers because it sounds like he’s doing a poor imitation rather than actually covering the song in their own style. Other than that, the vocals are always fine and the instrumentation is fantastic as always. This isn’t the best record of theirs, but it was a great starting point. 4/5
4
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Fri Jul 28 2023
A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
The album starts off promising enough with a couple good songs, but never builds on that. I don't want to say any of them were bad, but they certainly didn't excite me. The Everly Brothers are a fairly influential group with some pretty popular
songs, but never really big albums. That wasn't their focus, or any group's focus at the time. Given that, it gets boring pretty quick and, since the entire project is only 28 minutes long, it doesn't give the album time to redeem itself. Lyrically it's pretty rough, nothing to write home about instrumentally, and the production is simply A OK. The best thing about it, as well as all Everly Brothers projects, are the harmonies. 2/5
2
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Sat Jul 29 2023
Who's Next
The Who
This project has a lot of rejects from their previous album, “Tommy” but it doesn’t show. The songs are all great. Each one a “The Who” classic and are all fun to listen to. Great vocals and instrumentation as well. I have no praises or complaints with the production. 5/5
5
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Sun Jul 30 2023
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Speaking purely in terms of gunfighter ballads and/or trail songs, you can’t get better than Marty Robbins and Marty, apparently, could never do better than this. So if gunfighter ballads and/or trail songs be what your looking for, look no further. You have found the peak. If gunfighter ballads and/or trail songs ain’t what you’re looking for, then your SOL. Safe travels, friends. 4/5
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Glam rock never really took off and was only big for a short period of time. This album, I don’t believe added much to the genre. Most of the songs are really forgettable, although the title track has some originality to it as well as some lyrics with actual substance. I also do appreciate the change up in part 3 of “The Last of the Teenage Idols, Pts. 1-3”. Most of the others fade into obscurity with their derivative chords and structuring as well as boring lyrics. Production and instruments can be hit or miss. I can enjoy this album while also realizing that it isn’t very good. 2/5
2
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Tue Aug 01 2023
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Think of one aspect of this album and tell me it’s not perfect. Lyrics, production, instrumentation, chords, structure, etc. Pure vibes coming off this thing. 5/5
5
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
The thing I love about jazz is that I don’t understand it at all. I enjoy listening to it, but don’t know why like I would with other genres. Thelonious Monk is one of my go to jazz musicians if I want to hear some good jazz. He’s very good at establishing his moods and obviously the instrumentation is impeccable. The second track droned a tad and I would have preferred he cut it back a little and perhaps made another, more interesting, piece. My only critique. 4/5
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Thu Aug 03 2023
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
I wasn’t very excited by this. It’s a fun listen, though mostly forgettable. Nothing really wrong, but nothing really exciting either. There’s good and bad here, but mostly just meh. 3/5
3
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Bossanova
Pixies
There’s excellent playing and singing and chords and structure and lyrics, but holding it all back is an incredibly repetitive lineup. The songs all sound too much alike even though they’re all good respectively. 3/5
3
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Sat Aug 05 2023
Machine Head
Deep Purple
I love this album and my own personal opinion of it is a 5/5, but I realize that this isn’t fair. The instrumentation on this record is perfect and I will die on that hill. The structure stays interesting and original. There’s nothing wrong with the lyrics or production either. These songs are all fun to listen to. They expanded on the genre, maybe not by much, but they did some experimenting and had fun with it while also making every track enjoyable. My issues are that there isn’t a ton of range here. All exciting, but not very different. I also, don’t think the vocals are on par with the playing. They’re alright, but occasionally fail to achieve the gravitas I imagine the band is going for. No huge complaints, just can’t give it a perfect score. 4/5
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Sun Aug 06 2023
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
I don’t like live albums, but this one had a tom of energy to it, which I appreciate. The songs are fine, would have been better in the studio, but there’s nothing atrocious here. They aren’t very innovative tunes, but the band is so electric that it keeps things fun. This album is best enjoyed when thinking of it more as a time capsule to the tumultuous period of the ‘60s in which it was recorded rather than a politically charged rock album. Not the worst live album I’ve listened to, but a live album nonetheless. 2/5
2
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is in the prime of his life on this album. Creating fantastic, catchy tunes, collaborating with the best in the business. Really just making whatever songs he wants and doing it very well. Unfortunately, not every song he creates goes together on one album. This is a nitpick, but Michael is a pedo and I will only do such a petty nitpick for him. This is an album of all good songs, but the songs don’t make for a cohesive album. That’s really the only complaint. I hate to say it, but everything else is spectacular. 4/5
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin is a woman. Despite this shortcoming, she has made an incredibly electrifying album full of classics. Only complaint was a lack of range. Some songs sounded similar sometimes to some other songs, sincerely. 4/5
4
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
These guys are one of my favorite punk rock bands. They bring a wonderfully careless attitude that is perfect for the songs they write. Punk songs have never been very long and I usually attribute that to the rapid speed in which they play, but the Buzzcocks have a good range of speed going on this record that allows some breathing room in some spots while also letting you rock out in others. Not the say that the range here is perfect. The songs aren’t completely diverse, but that may be my only complaint. Personally, I wasn’t a big fan of that ending on “Moving Away from Pulsebeat”, but I’m willing to overlook it for ‘artistic choices’ or whatever. also, the decision to omit “Orgasm Addict”, “What Do I Get?”, and “Oh Shit” I think is atrocious if they had them ready at the time. I love the cheeky lyrics, chords, and intentionally sloppy instrumentation. Enjoy this one as always. 4/5
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
I like this album, all the songs are fun and catchy, even if a little repetitive. Springsteen is such an emotional vocalist and the band plays with so much passion. It’s easy to enjoy this album. 4/5
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
It’s very original. Feels fresh, even 20 years later. Lyrically fulfilling, rewarding beats, and solid production. I wish there had been some more exciting tracks on here to bring up the energy on the album. Not to say there’s no range, but that it didn’t quite stretch itself in a way it could have. Other than that, no complaints. 4/5
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Sat Aug 12 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
It’s a difficult and mostly thankless task to take a genre that’s centuries old and form into a style that’s digestible for a modern listener, but The Pogues are next to none when it comes to Irish folk music. I didn’t expect there to be much range and wasn’t shocked, but what was surprise me was how much intensity and emotion these guys put into these songs. Best enjoyed when singing and clapping along. 4/5
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Sun Aug 13 2023
Ray Of Light
Madonna
I was expecting more from the so called “Queen of Pop”. This is a very underwhelming album full of forgettable tracks that blend together into a boring mess. It has wonderful production and arrangements, but everything else is just so bland, the lyrics, melodies, writing. Even the vocal performances were unimpressive. Unimpressed. 2/5
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Moondance
Van Morrison
Van Morrison’s best quality is his defining sound. He didn’t fade into a crowd. Most of the songs on this album are also pretty distinguishable, but there are some fumbles as well. Nothing big to complain about. The vibes on this album are immaculate and next to none, the vocals are unique, great writing and lyrics, and original sound all together. 4/5
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
I really enjoy Aerosmith and I know this is one of their best albums, but the band really has a lot of unrealized potential. It shows on songs like Sweet Emotion where their experimentation is at its best. They are capable of great songs, but then fill the album with half baked, completely forgettable tracks. Everything else is great, I just wish the writing had a little more attention paid to it. 3/5
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Feast of Wire
Calexico
This would all be great and original and fun, but it’s much too easy to tune out. The songs blend together and the soft, casual singing does nothing to lull you back in. The instrumentation is beautiful and I commend them for it, but that’s mainly it, unless we’re counting vibes which are wonderfully unique here in the best way. Nothing big to hate on either though so, all in all, a very average album. 3/5
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Smash
The Offspring
This album fuckin rocks. It rocks fuckin hard. It’s so fun and doesn’t take itself seriously and it all works perfectly. Second half gets a little repetitive compared to the experimental first half. A little too comfortable. That and the production are my only two complaints. Everything else is so electrifying you can’t not enjoy unless you go in with shit in your pants. Also, the influence of this album cannot be overstated. Love it. 4/5
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
I can't stand this album or this band. It's difficult to find any redeeming qualities here. The range is non-existent, the vocals are annoying, the songs are boring. The production wasn't atrocious, I guess. Not much else to say except that I never want to listen to this again. 2/5
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Sat Aug 19 2023
Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Peter is trying so hard to be artistic and stand out that he alienates his entire sound into a caricature of itself. It doesn’t come across as fun or experimental, but more like a naive art student’s pathetic imitation of a past master. The lyrics don’t stand out in any way. The attempts at originality are lackluster and embarrassingly obvious. The writing and production are fairly on par with the time. I don’t typically enjoy Mr. Gabriel and this is one of his more disappointing outings. 2/5
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Sun Aug 20 2023
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
This album is a phenomenal example of a band going an experimental route while still staying true to their own unique sound and having it all come out perfect. One of their first albums after separating with their long time manager, and many member's father, the band felt more free to create music they were passionate about. The songs are absolutely and completely beautiful. The lyrics are gorgeous and heartbreaking at all the appropriate times. Production is incredible, instrumentation is tight, vocals and harmonies are enchanting, and the vibe is immaculate across the entire album. The instrumentals "Let's Go Away for Awhile" and "Pet Sounds" don't feel forced like instrumentals often do. They fit perfectly into the structure of the album and I have no complaints with any of it. A masterpiece. 5/5
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I don’t hate it, but I’m not enjoying it. The writing is fantastic as Joni’s always is, but the songs are repetitive and monotonous. Her vocals are completely inoffensive and that’s all. All very meh, to me. 3/5
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. It was both experimental and enjoyable in a way that other albums of hers had not been able to pull off. I like the whole record and it never overstayed its welcome and didn’t feel too short either. PJ feels more into her music on this project than usual which helps to convey the energy she is trying to evoke. It’s nice. 4/5
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
If this was just the first side, it would be an easy A from me, but, given the latter side’s decision to have over half the tracks compromised of repetitive instrumentals, I am forced to retract points that this album was entirely capable of earning. The songs themselves aren’t original to the band as they’re all covers, but they’re only the true classics in the genre. The playing and instrumentation is so tight and infectious it almost makes the instrumentals worth it. Production is surprisingly good quality and my only problem is the wacky B side on this thing. Such a strange and unfortunate decision. Cut the instrumentals and runtime and you’d have one classic of an album. 3/5
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Nixon
Lambchop
This is a lovely album. It’s not completely exciting or very commercial, so I can understand why I’ve never heard of it. The combination of genres really gives it a beautiful melancholy and irresistible nature. It’s a great album that I enjoyed listening to and will probably listen to again. 4/5
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Woodface
Crowded House
Uninteresting, uninspiring, unexciting, underwhelming, and completely unnecessary. None of this album sparks anything within me. It is completely forgettable, but not altogether unbearable. I hope not to listen to it again, but I could if I had to. 2/5
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Sat Aug 26 2023
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Not a fan of live albums, but heard James Brown could really pull them off. Maybe he could in person, but it doesn’t translate on the album as some other artists are able to. It’s not the worst live album, but a live album nonetheless. 2/5
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Sun Aug 27 2023
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
A intricate and complex album, both musically and thematically. The spoken word portions don’t feel forced, like they sometimes do. It feels intelligent, authentic, and exciting. The songs draw from familiar genres like jazz and the blues, but combine to create an original and unique style that I would enjoy listening to more often if this album wasn’t so hard to find. 4/5
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Da Capo
Love
I saw that this had some poor reviews and I thought it couldn’t be that bad, but it really is a confused, disorganized, jumbled up mess. There’s heart here, but the band feels like it falling apart at the seems. Production is good, though, which would have meant it got an average rating, but the last track is just an abomination. Completely unneeded. 2/5
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
The songs feel original, but not so experimental that it’s alienating. Just building on a common genre. There’s just enough range to keep you on your toes. It fun and danceable while also having slower songs. It’s a well done album. I enjoyed it the first time I listened. I enjoyed it this time. I will enjoy it again someday. 4/5
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Wed Aug 30 2023
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
I appreciate the sentiment of experimentation and psychedelia, although it did not pan out so pleasingly here. I liked more tracks, but they felt a little stale. Better luck next time. 2/5
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Virgin Suicides
Air
This is such a vibe. Whatever mood they set out to create is achieved with incredible strength. That’s Air’s biggest accomplishment, their biggest weakness is keeping the listener interested and engaged. These songs are beautiful, without a doubt, but not all are exciting. A large part of that hails from a lack of lyrics. Only one song has singing and there are two other spoken word tracks, which are able to achieve what few other artists can with spoken word. These two tracks add to the album immensely, whereas spoken word songs can sometimes bore the listener as they have no real purpose. I really like Air and this album. Wish more people knew about them. 4/5
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This album was pretty good, it was beautiful and unintelligible. My main issue is that the only issue they seem to be able to write is melancholy. A complicated emotion, but they nail it. After achieving this, they don't really go anywhere. They touch other levels of energy and emotion, but can't quite seem to break away from melancholy. Not to say that it's completely repetitive, but the range could be improved upon. No complaints otherwise. 4/5
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Sat Sep 02 2023
Fragile
Yes
A beautiful funky album. Prog rock was never my forte, but Yes does it very well. I enjoy most of them as long as they aren’t instrumentals or too lengthy. 4/5
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Sun Sep 03 2023
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Fun and at times even beautiful, but ultimately forgettable. Nothing here stays with you except for maybe an overall feeling of the album because all the songs blended together. None of them bad, per se, just that nothing jumps out. 3/5
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
This album is so unbearably British it hurts. If AI was to create the epitome of post punk brit rock; this is what it would sound like. Not to say the AI did a good job. More of a mish mash of all things the genre encapsulates. It has little redeemable qualities, but just enough to save it from getting a one star review. 2/5
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Tue Sep 05 2023
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
This album is good for listening to one song at a time, but altogether can get annoying. There a little range, but too little. The production is fantastic and sounds like something that could have been produced today. It’s a genuinely fun album start to finish with a couple classics, which is hard to manage in this genre. I enjoyed it, but don’t think I’ll ever listen to the whole thing again. 3/5
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
Not once during this hour longer run time was I enjoying myself. If I was doing something that I regularly would enjoy, my mood was dampened by this wet blanket of an album. I thoroughly believe that this was created as an elaborate joke to annoy people. Or maybe I’m just not German enough. 1/5
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Thu Sep 07 2023
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
This is a certified classic. Dre was always a better producer than rapper, but he does well here. I have no big complaints with this project except that it’s not very strong lyrically speaking, and that can really hurt you in hip-hop. Other than that, immaculate and always fun to run through again. 4/5
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Hell of a closer, huh? Can’t say they don’t have range. Dinosaur Jr. is able to easily pull off soft and intense styles that both sound unique to them and can be enjoyed. They are a quality and offensively underrated band. Not sure why they aren’t more popular. 4/5
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Sat Sep 09 2023
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
This is fun, beautiful soul the whole family can enjoy. The covers add something unique and the originals are instant classics. They really came into their own in this one. 4/5
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Sun Sep 10 2023
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
This album is everything it was going for and more. Isaac exceeded his own expectations on this one and it’s as good today as it was back when it came out. The proof is just how many samples there are of this album in modern music. It’s so good and I don’t care how long it is, it’s the pinnacle of soul and groove and all things vibing. His voice is so soothing, I just wished there was more of him singing. Everything else is phenomenal. 4/5
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Nope. Not this. This ain't it. Has little redeemable qualities and too many irredeemable ones. Starting with her voice; I can't stand it. She is not a good singer, which sometimes works for an artist as they have a unique style. She has nothing. The instrumentation is lackluster and arrangements are completely unoriginal. I want to forget about this ill-fated road stop along my journey as fast as possible. 1/5
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Tue Sep 12 2023
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Yet another Elvis Costello album. It was one of the better ones. Had life to it. Songs got a little repetitive and I couldn’t quite get into it, but at least he’s original and sounds unique. 3/5
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
There’s a push and pull to this album that goes from profound to pretentious. Depends on whether or not you’re into the style. In my opinion, though, at it’s peak, it still fails to capture my interest. The whole album feels unfocused and directionless. There are great concepts here and the songs are fun so I know there’s a lot of potential going forward, but the execution on this project leaves something to be desired. 3/5
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Tago Mago
Can
This is the type of album you listen to once or twice the whole way through, but usually only a song if you want to remind yourself of the project’s taste. The first three tracks as well as the final are understandable and digestible enough. The middle three throw the listener headlong into some of the most innovative experimental psychedelia there has ever been. These sounds are so out there, but Can finds a way to make them stick and be somewhat tolerable in a way some of their contemporaries failed. Not to say you would ever listen to “Halleluhwah”, “Augmn”, or “Peking O” by themselves, but as far as experimenting goes. Can knocked it out of the park. 4/5
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
For the world of pop, although it leans heavily to R&B, this is a very ambitious album. It experiments in original ways that still keep the album enjoyable. The songs are beautiful and, it goes with saying, so is Christina’s voice. The production is impeccable. I wouldn’t necessarily say that it overstays it’s welcome, however, if one didn’t think the project was becoming repetitive on disc one, than one must have felt it on disc two. For an hour and nineteen minutes, it still makes an incredible effort in that all the songs sound fairly individual. I enjoyed it, great album. 4/5
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Sat Sep 16 2023
The Specials
The Specials
They sound disorganized but with a lot of heart. There are some really great aspects such as originality and instrumentation, but also bad parts like the lyrics and production. It was fun, though. 3/5
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Sun Sep 17 2023
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
What a beautiful cover album, except for that one she co-wrote. Her versions were mostly original, but not all were necessary. I enjoyed the album, but I can’t shake the feeling that she could do better if there was more of her own music in the mix because she has such a unique sound. Her own songs could only enhance her style. 4/5
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Basket of Light
Pentangle
Pentangle is at their best when mixing their influences with their own style. Bert Jansch’s solo work is a good example of it done right. The album is hit and miss, but all of it beautiful. I enjoyed it all, but will probably not listen to some again. 3/5
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
These guys wrote most of these tracks, if not all, as a joke on the stupidity of modern pop music. Their lyrics make fun of their contemporaries by fully embracing the ridiculousness of present themes. However, instead of treating the album like the joke it was meant to be, people love it. It isn’t solely for the satirical lyrics, although they help, but also the incredible production and arrangements they’ve created on this project. Their joke was too smart. Oh well, I enjoy it. 4/5
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Wed Sep 20 2023
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
A nice relaxing country-bluegrass excursion. Beautiful voice, simply, but elegant songwriting, and complementary instrumentation. It isn’t an exciting album, but enjoyable, nonetheless. 3/5
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Third
Soft Machine
Fuck this. I hate when the artist has no damn respect for the listener to make their music even a little enjoyable. There are so few bits to latch on to in this project that they may as well not exist entirely. There are barely any enjoyable aspects to this whole album. 2/5
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Fri Sep 22 2023
McCartney
Paul McCartney
This is a beautiful collection of strange mismatched songs that are held together by the fact they are all odd ducks. The songwriting feels easy, fun, and effortless while still remaining elegant. It’s really a great album, but there isn’t too much substance; some, but not enough for a fiver. 4/5
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Sat Sep 23 2023
Homework
Daft Punk
The production is top tier and I have to respect that, even though I usually don’t care about it. For a debut album, it’s fairly good. It’s clear they’re still finding their footing, but they also have a defined and unique style that will stay with them for all albums. My biggest complaints are that both the lyrics and beats are too repetitive. Also, I, personally, am not a huge of instrumentals, but Daft Punk does it best. 3/5
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Sun Sep 24 2023
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Not a single song under 4 minutes. You can't convince me that these don't start to drag. The vibes here are out of this world and I could groove to it all day. Production could be better. It's just good, simply. 3/5
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Mon Sep 25 2023
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Beautiful bunches of ballads. ANOHNI has such a unique voice that it immediately sets them apart from other artists, which is a big asset. The production and instrumentation is perfect and the arrangements and lyrics are wonderfully original. There’s a good amount of range on this thing too, which is impressive because I’ve not listened to much of their music before so their ability to set each song apart is truly admirable. I only wish there was some more exciting tracks to remember off this, although, I enjoyed every minute of it. 4/5
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Tue Sep 26 2023
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Isn’t it a pity how long this is? He could have made a beautiful and perfect single disc album if he’d focused on perfecting his better songs rather than including two versions of Isn’t a Pity. All of it was enjoyable and gets a high score, but just not as high as it could have been if the project had been more focused. Loved it as always. 4/5
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
The first two songs were fine, but then started this unbearable wailing on “Legs” that is more statement than enjoyable, digestible music. It was legitimately a challenge to not turn off. This trend continues for the rest of the album. PJ seems more with concerned with expressing her views than anything else. She’d sacrifice any aspect of pleasure you’d derive from listening to promote her eccentricities. I didn’t like the album, but it was well produced, written, and (probably) exactly what Harvey set out to create. 2/5
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
These songs mostly blend together through the swampy guitar chords and drums mixed with the purposefully off-tone guitar licks and wailing off the vocalist. Mixed together it makes for a great song, but lay all of them out together and they’re hard to tell apart. An enjoyable album, but could have used some more range. Only complaint. 4/5
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Tommy
The Who
A perfect concept album and, possibly, the best rock opera. Experimental musical ideas combined with an interesting story that is relative to all time periods all while having wide range and enjoyable songs. I admit that it takes a couple listens to fully appreciate, but it is well worth it. Only real complaint would be sometimes the vocals aren’t exactly pitch perfect, but I do not care. Love this thing. 5/5
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Sat Sep 30 2023
Blackstar
David Bowie
I remember when this came out thinking that it was incredible that David Bowie was still making groundbreaking music at almost 70 years old. One of his finest albums and released only 2 days before he died. Makes it hit a little more and the album already hits hard on its own with its grand instrumentation and arrangements. This project is just as experimental, if not more, than something he would have made in the 70s. The production is fantastic and I’m always pleasantly surprised at how well Bowie can sing in his late sixties. There isn’t one component I have an issue with on this album. It’s truly beautiful. 5/5
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Sun Oct 01 2023
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
This album sounds as though a good song was being done on karaoke by an atrocious and drunk singer. The production isn’t stellar, but the instrumentation and arrangements are fine. Didn’t hate them, but I did and do hate whatever style you’d call the vocals. Not fun. 2/5
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
I am pleasantly surprised by how good an album by a band I’ve never heard of is. It feels original, unique, experimental, and fun, but, for some reason that I can’t explain, fails to excite me. There is no spark to it, at least not for me. Not to say I don’t like it. I really enjoyed it and hope to hear it again, but I may not remember it is all. 4/5
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty got lucky with having a naturally unique voice so he didn’t need to do too much to distinguish himself from other artists of his day, he just naturally stood out. However, he does have a style which hasn’t quite been formed yet on his debut album, although, you can hear hints of it throughout the project. I enjoy all the songs and there are a couple bops on it. I have no big complaints, but his deep cuts can get pretty bland on this one. 4/5
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Wed Oct 04 2023
White Ladder
David Gray
Some interesting concepts here, but they can’t make up for an overall snooze fest. It isn’t that bad, but it is difficult to remain excited. A vibe of relaxation is fine, but if you stretch it out over the entire album, you might put your listeners to sleep. Production, instrumentation, arrangements, vocals, and lyrics are all good. Enjoyed it, only wished there was more energy here. 3/5
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
These vocals can get monotonous after a while. All their albums have the same problem of being repetitive and unexciting. I’ve given them enough chances and they always fail to wow me, which is disappointing because they are good, but won’t experiment. 3/5
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Fri Oct 06 2023
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
At the time of writing this (Oct ‘23), this sits at the fifth lowest rated album on this website. There are definitely things holding this album back, like Mr. Rock’s weak bars, flow, rhythm, etc, but the production is actually decent. Also, it’s strange, but he, for some reason, is able to write really good hooks and choruses while everything else falls apart. Rap is not his forte, but I think he would really shine in other genres. That would be true if not for the lyrics on the verses. A lot of them are very problematic and downright disrespectful to the point where listening to the song makes me feel like I’m a bad person. On top of that there’s weird choices made with the arrangement of the album, like the decision to make it over an hour instead of cutting the weaker tracks and focusing on his stronger songs, or the additional 4 minutes to the closer, which should not have been the finale (or even on the album), which is basically an entire song which we all heard earlier in the listing. I could go on, but I’ll close with my opinion that Kid Rock had a lot of potential here and very effectively squandered it. Shame. 2/5
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Sat Oct 07 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
The range, production, chemistry, instrumentation, arrangements, vocals, lyrics are all amazing and I have no complaints. They really got everything right on this one. Nothing more to say. 5/5
5
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Sun Oct 08 2023
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
“Karma Chameleon” was the perfect amount of fun, 80s, pep and they got the formula just right on that song. Unfortunately after this, every song lacks some aspect in one way or another which leads to an incredibly boring, lackluster, and forgettable album. Uninspiring music from the eighties and nothing else. 2/5
2
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Mon Oct 09 2023
All Mod Cons
The Jam
The production sucks, the songs are repetitive, lyrics are alright (nothing to write home about). Ultimately, the whole project feels messy and disorganized. It's got heart, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee quality. I enjoyed it though. 3/5
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Tue Oct 10 2023
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Sounds like if a werewolf in a kids movie had their own song. As a joke though because it’s so hard to take these vocals seriously with his 1,000-packs-of-cigarettes-a-day voice. It works best when he sings of moe deplorable activities with harsher instrumentals. Lyrics are good, he is a great poet, if you can understand them. Production leaves something to be desired, but instrumentation, arrangements, and structure are all good. The highs here are high, but the lows here are low. Not the average ‘average’ rating. 3/5
3
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Wed Oct 11 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
I think this could be a perfect album. I can't think of anything wrong with it. I always enjoy it start to finish. The lyrics are fun and engaging, the vocals are unique, the arrangements are original. It's just a blast. Love it. 5/5
5
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Thu Oct 12 2023
Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
This was fun. Not entirely original or exciting, but I enjoyed myself. They have room to improve, however, I do think they have promise. Had, I suppose, since we know nothing became of these fellas. 3/5
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Fri Oct 13 2023
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
This was nice. The 20 minute first track was kind enough to not feel that long and pretty much justified its length. While I didn’t grow tired of it, I didn’t get too much excitement out of it either. There were bits of inspiration scattered throughout the whole record, however, it could have used a more focused execution. 3/5
3
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Sat Oct 14 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I’ve never been all that impressed with Franz Ferdinand. There are interesting points on the album, but the whole thing feels relatively small; as if there’s not much going on. It’s fun, yet repetitive. The vocals get old and the instrumentation doesn’t change up enough to distinguish the songs from themselves. Oh well. 3/5
3
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Sun Oct 15 2023
Destroyer
KISS
This album’s a rocker. A lotta fun. Just downright enjoyable. 4/5
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Atomizer
Big Black
To say that this is just noise means that the distortion is so overwhelming that no other aspect of the music can be enjoyed, which is a shame because its, otherwise, very good. 2/5
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Not all too exciting, but an enjoyable listen with a couple bops thrown in. Could have been better, but I’ve heard worse. 3/5
3
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Wed Oct 18 2023
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
I love this album. There’s so much emotion in it. You can hear him going where the piano leads him. Also, that is an exquisite sounding piano. This album accomplishes everything you’d hope. It, first and foremost, entertains, as it is undoubtedly enjoyable. Secondly, you have the technical stuff, like production, arrangement, instrumentation, and structure, which are all fantastic. Lastly, it makes you think as all good albums should. Makes me wonder if music is any less of an art if it’s created on the spot instead of being composed beforehand. In this case, I don’t know how Keith could have done any better except for maybe having a little more time to create bits that spread the album out a little more so there’s more versatility and range. Otherwise perfect in my book. 4/5
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Thu Oct 19 2023
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Each song had a potential to be good in its own, unique, way, but they squandered it at every turn with a relentless effort to keep it boring. A lot of potential. Also, bad production. 2/5
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Fri Oct 20 2023
I See You
The xx
I like this. It feels new and experimental and fun. Very cool. Shame they only have three albums, currently. 4/5
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Sat Oct 21 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Joni focuses more on her lyrics than she does production, which makes for an incredible story, but sometimes a lackluster presentation. all good songs and an enjoyable album but it could’ve been more exciting. 4/5
4
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Sun Oct 22 2023
Sincere
Mj Cole
Not a fan, my least favorite genre. Some redeemable qualities, but for the most part repetitively annoying with no memorability. 2/5
2
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Manassas? More like molasses. It’s not that bad, the songs are fun and I like them, but I’d be impressed if over an hour of anything didn’t start to drone. 3/5
3
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Tue Oct 24 2023
Take Me Apart
Kelela
Music for the people. Truly unproblematic in any way, which is another way of saying that it makes little to no statements. It's fun music, possibly a tad repetitive. I enjoyed it and have no big complaints. 3/5
3
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Wed Oct 25 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
This is great, love the vibes. Experimental, fun, unique, original. Wonderful time was had by all. 4/5
4
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Thu Oct 26 2023
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Hey Bill, wanna take a break from the slow, sad ballads and do something exciting? No? Fine, just go back to singing like your seconds away from eating the shotgun. 3/5
3
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Fri Oct 27 2023
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
This is nice, but feels messy in some parts. It’s such a mood and I enjoyed it, but I understand why it wouldn’t be for everyone. 4/5
4
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Sat Oct 28 2023
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Holy shit this feels so fucking dated, it’s incredible. Trying desperately to promote this new sound, but I just can’t take it seriously. I’m not saying it isn’t unique and original, but given what became of the genre, it’s hard to listen to seriously. 3/5
3
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Sun Oct 29 2023
NEU! 75
Neu!
I didn’t mind it as much as I thought I would when I read it was Electronic, but it was so inoffensive that it failed to push any boundaries. Entertaining and enjoyable in some parts, bland in the rest. 2/5
2
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Mon Oct 30 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
These guys sound like they’re more interested in being rock stars than actually making good music. This selection is so uninspired and derivative that it begs the question, why make an album at all? The production is good and so is the playing, therefore, whatever. 3/5
3
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Tue Oct 31 2023
Eternally Yours
The Saints
They sound like a punkier Velvet Underground. Not quite defining their own style, so it’s not entirely original, but they’re all enjoyable, fun songs if you don’t think about it too much. 3/5
3
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Wed Nov 01 2023
1984
Van Halen
Every song on this album is an absolute bop and I will fight anyone who says otherwise (except the intro title track, excusable). This album shows growth and experimentation in the band while also remaining true to their style and having fun. It isn’t the most profound or deepest album, but I always enjoy listening to it and find no flaws in it. 4/5
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Thu Nov 02 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
What a vibe, lovely stuff here. He’s got a unique voice that helps him define his own sound, but is also original in his arrangements and style. Beautiful lyrics as well, though there isn’t much range throughout this project. Still love it. 4/5
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Fri Nov 03 2023
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Usually this is about long songs, but for this album, the songs don’t justify their length. You have no time to become invested in these songs before they end. The songs also, simply, aren’t that great. They’re good and fun, enough to listen to a couple without getting annoyed or bored, but not after almost thirty of them. Swing and a miss. 2/5
2
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Sat Nov 04 2023
Chris
Christine and the Queens
In terms of being able to tune this album out, it is next to none. Technically speaking, the project is phenomenal. The production is impeccable and hits hard. The tracks are each solid in their own right as well as most of the lyrics, but it still fails to excite or, at least, stay exciting. 3/5
3
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Sun Nov 05 2023
The Band
The Band
People really love this album and I’ve never gotten why. I like this album, probably my favorite album by them, but I don’t understand why some people act as if it’s this special creation that belongs with “the greats”. It’s a good album, that’s all. It has a couple flaws here and there, but overall, good. 4/5
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Mon Nov 06 2023
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
I know this is his second album, but it feels like a debut. He’s still finding his sound, style, and groove. Personally, I don’t believe he ever did find it, but, if he did, it certainly wasn’t on this record. It feels choppy and dashed together. Lyrics are weird and jumbled and don’t flow properly. The range and instrumentation is good. So are the vocals, I suppose, if that’s what you’re into. It’s fun at best and boring at worst. Nothing exciting here, but I enjoyed most of it. 3/5
3
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Tue Nov 07 2023
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Good songs and range, but I am uninterested in his depiction of southerners. 2/5
2
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Love this album. Could listen to it anytime. Possibly the best jazz album from arguably the best jazz musician. Some people can’t appreciate jazz and that’s a damn shame because they miss out on classics like this. This album is so entirely what it set out to be. The soul of a lonely person pours out of the speakers beautifully every time. Hope that made sense. 5/5
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Thu Nov 09 2023
The College Dropout
Kanye West
I enjoyed this album, though it was a tad long. Some songs weren’t necessary and/or overstayed their welcome, namely; Workout Plan and Last Call exemplify this best. Other than that, a wonderful and introspective album about the psychology of rap artists and what really matters (not those FUCKING DEGREES). Production is impeccable and lyrically this is one of Kanye’s best albums. No huge complaints, although it definitely could have been better. 4/5
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
I feel like this could have definitely been more exciting. It was fun start to finish, but only some of it was memorable. You only got one song with any staying power. Otherwise wonderful. 3/5
3
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Sat Nov 11 2023
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
This could possibly be my favorite Stones record. Not a single skip and several powerhouse tracks. Great vocals and instrumentation from the usual suspects, but also stellar guest appearances all throughout the record. Lyrically, they might be at their best here, as well. There’s solid range and I, frankly, have not a bad thing to say about it. This album can cream all over me any day. 5/5
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Sun Nov 12 2023
Yeezus
Kanye West
His ego is at its height here, and that’s saying something. His decision to go for a more industrial style on this album is respectful, and done very tastefully and also brought a lot of light to one of hip-hop’s most underrated sub-genres. The production is obviously immaculate. Lyrics are funny, mostly in the laughable sense. Some solid bops. Definitely enjoyed it. 4/5
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
There was no need to put this album on this list. Almost no reason to make the album in the first place. I’m sure it was a fun concert to be at, but if you asked the attendees if they thought that concert was to go down in history as one of the best of all time, they’d probably say, “Meh. Was alright, but nothing special.” if they were being honest with themselves. It was alright but barely escapes getting a one. 2/5
2
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Tue Nov 14 2023
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
This is her debut album and it feels like it. Not just for her, but for rap as a genre. The lyrics are mostly great, but the flow is so incredibly slow that it’s almost comical. Production and samples are great as well, but there isn’t anything to really get excited for. High highs and low lows for me. 3/5
3
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Wed Nov 15 2023
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
This album both excited and disappointed me. The production was fantastic and there were some unique and original bits in here, but then you have some pieces that don’t fit or let you down in some way. The covers, namely, are some of the most confusing choices on this project. They could have had a more focused, and therefore more concise, album had they done away with those fruitless endeavors which add nothing to the album or the original. I enjoyed some of the songs, but not enough to want to listen to this again. It was alright. 3/5
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Thu Nov 16 2023
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
Not as punky as would have been cool. Should have traded some of the pop for the punk. And was just a tad short. Overall, I don’t see myself as being able to remember this album a month from now. Although, I did enjoy it. Very middle of the road and inoffensive. 3/5
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Fri Nov 17 2023
The La's
The La's
They sound like the Smiths, but better. Less melodramatic and more fun to listen to. They aren’t doing anything groundbreaking, but they have a distinct sound that makes them unique. Good structure, production, and arrangement. The vocals and instrumentation work well with the vibe of the album. This is a nice album I’ve never heard of. 4/5
4
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Sat Nov 18 2023
Kenza
Khaled
One of the reasons this list/website is cool is because you get to learn about albums that aren’t so well known. However, there comes a point where it becomes so difficult to find any version of the album that you wonder if maybe there’s a reason for that. Hidden gems aren’t hidden this well. I enjoyed the album. It wasn’t good, really. Whatever, I’m tired. 2/5
2
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Sun Nov 19 2023
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
He's trying too hard to be weird without actually having anything new to say. He adds nothing new to any of the genres he attempts, but it isn't entirely unlistenable. I can get down with some of this stuff, especially, I think the lyrics are quite clearly thought out and introspective to their respective time period. There is something calmly hypnotizing about the whole thing and I can't figure out if it's genius or stupid. Overall, I'd say something intentionally confusing to disturb the audience. Fast and bulbous! 3/5
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Any attempt at charismatic music making was a huge swing and a miss. The whole thing comes across as entirely arrogant for some reason. This was a goddamn pain to listen to. Sometimes people express regrets before they die and maybe I will have some when my time comes, but at the very least, I’ll be able to confidently and proudly declare that I didn’t make this. Nor did I have any positive feelings towards it. 1/5
1
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
The Smiths are so goddamn melodramatic. I can’t handle it. A strong vibe, and a good one too, if you’re into it. The instrumentation, lyrics , production, and singing are all great, but I personally don’t find these guys very enjoyable. 3/5
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This album is incredible. Stevie had a phenomenal five album streak. Each one I’d give a perfect score from Talking Book to Songs in the Key of Life. The lyrics are incredible and the chords are so visionary and original while also remaining familiar and not a challenge to listen to whatsoever. Especially considering how out there some of these rhythms and progressions are. The vocals and instrumentation are obviously impeccable. I have nothing bad to say about this album. 5/5
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
I can’t stand post punk. It’s stupid melodramatic, self-absorbed, pretentious, annoying vocals. The lackluster, unoriginal, basic, monotonous instrumentation and chords. I find nothing appealing about this genre. This album is fine, but definitely not for me, although, I’ll admit, this particular brit pop/post punk album is more bearable than most and downright ALMOST enjoyable. 3/5
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Fri Nov 24 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This was my favorite era of rap. These guys and De La Soul have the best vibes. The production is phenomenal, the lyrics are possibly the best thing about the album. They’re intriguing, unique, introspective, and only ever add to the whole of the project. Never take away. Equally as good as the lyrics are the beats. The mix of genres is seamless and beautiful. Everything comes together perfectly. I have no complaints and never had. 5/5
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Sat Nov 25 2023
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
A lot of fun this one. Kinks always are. Nothing incredibly revolutionary about this, but it’s original, unique, has good production, lyrics, vocals, and I enjoyed it. 4/5
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Sun Nov 26 2023
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Boring. Unimpressed. Snooze fest. Disappointing. I’d hate to be one of these guys moms and have to pretend like I liked their music. 2/5
2
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Mon Nov 27 2023
White Light
Gene Clark
I really enjoyed this album and it’s mix of various genres. It hit the spot for me. The only thing holding it back, for me, is its lack of excitement and hit-worthy songs. Nothing really catchy here, but I did like all of it a lot. 4/5
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
I’ve made fun of 80s rappers previously for having that goofy, old school flow, but the Beastie Boys have such a distinct and unique sound (make no mistake, they still sound goody as fuck) that they can’t help but stand out against others. The production is surprisingly good for the time as well as only being their second album. The experimentation here is really what makes this album though. No hip-hop album would have this weird half rap half easy going psychedelic experimental sound for decades. Not to say there isn’t anything holding this album back. The lyrics and original vision seem a little unfocused, but ultimately it doesn’t take away too much from the experience. 4/5
4
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Wed Nov 29 2023
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Kinda dull in my opinion, but ultimately inoffensive. I just don’t have a lot to say and I’ll most likely end up forgetting it. 3/5
3
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Thu Nov 30 2023
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I enjoyed this album a lot more than I anticipated. Going off album cover alone, it looks like some whiny brit pop shit we’ve heard too many times at this point. What we actually get is a fun and semi-original album that’s reasonably unique. I have no great praises for this thing, but I have no complaints either. It had emotion and heart to it, so that’s worth something. 4/5
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
This is fun for a second, then pretty boring, then fun again. Rarely hits the feels in any significant way, but I can get behind most of it. Feels cool. 4/5
4